The Dutch are being framed behind the headline contenders, but outsider status can be useful at a tournament.
Koeman’s line in the report was strong: “But the strength of the Netherlands is that we can beat anyone because the ability is there in our squad.” That is not empty bravado. The Netherlands have long produced technically sharp, tactically educated teams, and when they marry that with aggression and control, they are rarely easy to handle.
If the report is accurate, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia stand between the Dutch and a clean route into the knockout rounds. On paper, that may not look like the most glamorous group, but it could be one of the more awkward ones.
Japan are usually organised and quick in transition. Sweden tend to be physical, structured and difficult to break down. Tunisia are the kind of opponent top nations ignore at their peril. Koeman acknowledged as much, saying his players must “always respect every opponent.”
That may be the key line of all. World Cups are not lost only against giants; they can slip away in flat group-stage afternoons.
Koeman also said: “I think this team is on track.” More telling was his desire for a side that plays with “a lot of intensity.” That sounds like a manager who knows talent alone will not carry the Netherlands deep into the tournament.
The next question is whether this belief becomes momentum once the first ball is kicked. If the Dutch start well, the outsider label may not last very long.