The Netherlands celebrated an emphatic 4-0 victory over Iceland in their final Euro warm-up match on Monday, but the joyous mood quickly turned somber when news broke that star midfielder Frenkie de Jong would miss the tournament due to an ongoing ankle injury.
De Jong’s Injury: A Blow to Dutch Hopes
De Jong has been struggling to recover from a series of ankle injuries sustained during the season while playing for Barcelona. He attempted to rejoin training with his teammates on Sunday, after a week of individual rehabilitation, but medical examinations on Monday confirmed that he wouldn’t be ready in time for the Euros.
De Jong expressed his sadness and frustration on social media, stating that he feels disappointed about not being able to participate in the European Championship. He mentioned that despite their best efforts in recent weeks, his ankle still requires more time to heal. Representing his country at a final tournament, wearing the orange shirt, singing the national anthem, and feeling the support of the entire country are all dreams and the greatest honors. However, he and the entire Orange legion will now cheer the squad from the sidelines. He ended with a message of encouragement, saying “Let’s go boys.”
Koeman: “He Won’t Be 100% Fit”
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman revealed that someone had informed him of De Jong’s injury several hours before the Iceland match, and he had already broken the news to his players.
Koeman informed Dutch television that tests have revealed his inability to perform as expected. His ankle reacts after every training session, leading to the conclusion that he will not achieve full fitness for the next three weeks. Facing Poland in the Group D opener was already expected to be challenging.
A Dominant Display Despite the De Jong News
Despite the disappointing news about De Jong, the Dutch team showcased their attacking prowess in their final warm-up game.
Xavi Simons, in his 14th international appearance, finally broke his scoring duck, putting the Netherlands ahead at halftime. Virgil van Dijk, who netted in the previous warm-up game, added another goal to his scoring streak. Donyell Malen extended the lead before Wout Weghorst completed the scoring with a goal in the final minute.
Looking Ahead to the Euros
The emphatic victory against Iceland will give the Dutch team confidence as they prepare for the Euros. However, the absence of De Jong will undoubtedly be a significant blow.
They face a tough opening match against Poland on Sunday in Hamburg, followed by matches against France and Austria in the group stage. The Dutch will need to find a way to overcome the loss of their key midfielder and adapt their tactics accordingly if they are to make a strong run in the tournament.
De Jong’s absence undoubtedly adds to their challenge, but the Dutch are known for their resilience and attacking prowess. The team will need to draw on these qualities to overcome this obstacle and make a statement in the Euros.
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