Here is a look at the Netherlands vs Morocco xG (expected goals) stats from their Round of 32 game. Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands were beaten on penalties by Morocco.
xG Netherlands 0.25-1.27 Morocco shots map (Actual score NED 1-1 MAR)
1-0 Gakpo goal xG 0.11
1-1 Issa Diop header goal xG 0.08
The biggest chance on xG in this Netherlands Morocco game went to Soufiane Rahimi (xG 0.72 in the 97th minute) that was brilliant saved by Verbruggen.
The Dutch created virtually nothing else of note- their goal came on the counter from Gakpo while Morocco had a header from El Aynaoui (20th minute, saved by Verbruggen), Hakimi from the edge of the area (21st minute, saved by Verbruggen) and Hakimi again (52nd minute, hits bar) as decent chances.
Key match stats
Possession: Netherlands 30%, Morocco 70%
Total shots: Netherlands 6, Morocco 11
Netherlands had 49% possession in the first half, but became increasingly defensive oriented as the game progressed, and had 21% possession in the second half, 17% in extra time (ET) first half, and just 16% in the second half of extra time (ET). We don’t often see games where an African nation dominates possession so strongly against an European opponent.
Should Koeman have been so defensive? Averaging 30% ball possession in the entire game and barely 16% in extra time isn’t what you expect from the inventors of Total Football.
The game went to penalties where Holland lost 2-3 on penalties, another elimination on spot kicks for the Dutch (NED had lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 edition).
Summerville, so influential in the win over Sweden, had a decisive penalty saved by Bono.
Just bizarre tactics from Koeman.
16% possession after conceding a goal against Morocco in extra time is SHOCKING for a time of the Netherlands’ quality.
If you have such a poor recent record in penalty shootouts, surely you attack more?