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Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman resigned on Tuesday after Morocco knocked his team out of the World Cup in the round of 32.
Although analysts tipped the Dutch squad to make a deep tournament run, Morocco defeated them 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Monday in Monterrey after extra time ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
The Netherlands held a 1-0 lead late in the match thanks to a Cody Gakpo goal, but Issa Diop scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Morocco before Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all missed their shootout attempts.
The 63-year-old manager announced his decision in a statement on Instagram, taking full responsibility for the team falling short of their World Cup dreams.
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Koeman also alluded to his personal life, noting that his wife Bartina’s breast cancer diagnosis changed his perspective and made him realise that health is far more important than football.
This departure ends Koeman’s second stint managing the national team following a storied career as a player and coach for clubs like Barcelona, Southampton, and Everton.
Meanwhile, the Dutch football association issued a strong statement condemning the online racist abuse that anonymous users directed at national players following the elimination.
The association emphasised that football belongs to everyone regardless of background, drew a clear line against discriminatory behaviour, and stated that racism has absolutely no place in football or society.
