Ibrahimovic: 'Netherlands lost because abandoned attacking identity'

US. Former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized coach Ronald Koeman for abandoning Dutch football identity by playing defensively in round of 16 loss to Morocco at World Cup 2026.

Analyzing match on US TV channel FOX, Ibrahimovic blamed Koeman after Netherlands stopped at penalty shootout. According to former Swedish star, Netherlands failed because they lost playstyle making their name.

"This failure is Koeman's fault," Ibrahimovic said. "I did not recognize Netherlands team. This is not Dutch football philosophy. I was always taught to attack, attack, and attack. Today, Koeman was like Italian coach, playing not to lose. While Netherlands always play to win."

Dutch players disappointed after losing to Morocco in penalty shootout of World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Guadalupe stadium, near Monterrey, Mexico on June 29. Photo: AP

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Ibrahimovic played under Koeman at Ajax during 2001-2004. He argued that if they must accept defeat, Netherlands should keep identity instead of completely changing approach. "If you lose, lose with your identity. Do not change it," Swedish star added.

In match against Morocco, Koeman surprised by abandoning familiar 4-3-3 system to switch to 5-2-3. This was big change compared to three group stage matches, after Netherlands repeatedly let opponents create many chances.

This adjustment helped Netherlands defend more solidly for most of match, but also made orange team struggle in attack. After 120 minutes, they had only two shots on target. Cody Gakpo opened scoring, but Issa Diop equalized with header in second-half stoppage time, before Morocco won in penalty shootout.

Ibrahimovic comments after Netherlands lost to Morocco. Photo: screenshot

Despite criticism, Koeman asserted he did not regret decision to change tactics. "If I could do it over, I would still do same," Dutch coach said after match. "I do not care about criticism. I had to make choice and we agreed with players to play this way."

Koeman said decision to switch to 5 defenders came from fact that Netherlands defended poorly in group stage. "We could close eyes and continue as before, but coaching staff's job is to change when necessary," he said. "Sometimes we dropped too deep and could no longer pressure. But we also defended well at many moments. Against strong team with many good players, it is impossible not to give them any chances."

63-year-old coach also emphasized that Dutch public itself had demanded team switch to five-defender formation, so he was unhappy being criticized. Meanwhile, L'Équipe praised Koeman's 5-4-1 setup, saying system was tactically beautiful and effective, making it difficult for Morocco to find space. However, Netherlands team still could not protect leading advantage and paid price in penalty shootout.

Coach Ronald Koeman directs during Netherlands' loss to Morocco in penalty shootout of World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Guadalupe stadium, near Monterrey, Mexico on June 29. Photo: AP

Koeman believed players were not to blame after defeat. He revealed atmosphere in dressing room was very heavy because players were devastated as World Cup dream ended.

In penalty shootout, Netherlands missed 3 of 5 shots. Koeman admitted that was too many to win. He also mentioned Morocco's equalizer when ball deflected off heel of Dutch player, calling it "strange" moment that turned luck away from team.

Loss to Morocco could also be Koeman's last time leading Netherlands team. His contract with Dutch Football Association will expire this summer and both sides agreed to re-evaluate after World Cup 2026. However, Koeman refused to talk about future immediately after defeat. "That will start tomorrow. I have my thoughts, but this is not time to speak," he said.

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