Koeman: “Greece has risen a lot, we were drawn in the worst possible group”

Ronald Koeman has pointed out that the Netherlands have been drawn in the toughest Euro 2024 qualifying group against 2022 World Cup finalists and powerhouse Greece and described the remaining nine groups as much easier.

Analytically: “This was a very difficult group. We were unlucky with the draw we had. If you look at the rest of the groups, you will see countries that faced easier opponents.

We were drawn with France, who reached the final of the Mundial, and Greece, who have improved a lot lately.”

In purely competitive terms, he emphasized that: “Greece did not deserve to score a goal and had no phase. But when you are at 0-0 you have to be careful. However, we recognize that we do not have a specialist in penalties, corners and generally static phases. Weghorst is our first choice and if you see the penalties he takes in training, he is the one who dares.

Then there was Virgil on the second penalty. When I saw Virgil, I thought, how is this not going to be a night where the ball goes the wrong way? Virgil hit the penalty well and decided the match.

We had many shortcomings with France, but also with Greece. With Greece we dominated the two games. If we have everyone available, we are a good team. But, in general, we should improve.”