New disillusionment for the Netherlands. A few months after suffering a crushing defeat at the Stade de France (4-0), the Dutch selection lost again to the French team in front of their home crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena (2-1). From start to finish, the Dutch never seemed able to worry the French despite a burst of pride at the end of the game. Used to setting the pace in Leipzig, Xavi Simons did not really shine against the Blues. If he struggled to make a difference around the French area, his involvement on the defensive level did not please his coach, Ronald Koeman, particularly on the first goal from Kylian Mbappé (7th).
“If Xavi Simons should do better? Yes. On two occasions, he does not know what is happening around him. He first leaves the right-back alone then he lets him go into the box. I also think Hartman should have been closer to stop the cross. But yes, in those defensive moments you don’t just have to watch the ball, you have to be responsible for your own opponent and stop them. “Xavi didn’t do it during this phase.”regretted the former FC Barcelona coach to the press.
