The former Barcelona Ronald Koemancoach of the Netherlands, ended the speculation and announced this Monday that the current goalkeeper of Brighton, Bart Verbruggenwill be the starting goalkeeper this Saturday in the crucial match against the republic of ireland in Amsterdam. The ‘oranje’ will be looking for a victory that secures a place at the German Euro 2024.
The Netherlands have used up to five goalkeepers in the past 12 months. The current coach of the Dutch national team preferred Verbruggen (who signed for Brighton from Anderlecht last summer) over Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord) and Mark Flekken (Brentford).
“Bart Verbruggen will play. “I think it’s logical considering the last two games we’ve played,” Koeman said at a press conference on Tuesday. The Brighton goalkeeper played his first games for the ‘Oranje’ in the 2-1 home defeat against France and the 0-1 home victory over Greece in the two qualifying matches for Euro 2024 played in October.
The ‘oranje’, second in group B
The result leaves the Netherlands second in group B, behind France, who have already qualified. ‘Oranje’ is tied on 12 points with Greece, who have played one more game.
If the Dutch team fails against the Republic of Ireland, they can still secure second place and a place in the finals in their last match of the stage, against Gibraltar, who have lost all their matches at that stage, in Faro , Portugal, the next Tuesday.
After defeating Greece in their two qualifying matches, the ‘oranje’ will qualify if the two teams finish tied on points.
“He’s very good at his young age,” Koeman said of 21-year-old Bart Verbruggen. “Bijlow is like that, but unfortunately he got injured, which created a different situation. It is not true that it is 100 percent certain that Bart will be the first option in the Euro Cup. You can’t say that. But in principle, yes for these two games,” added the former Barcelona player.
At the World Cup, Van Gaal chose Noppert
Andries Noppert has been selected as the starting goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by Louis van Gaal. Since Koeman took over this year, he has used the now-disgraced Jasper Cillessen, Bijlow, Flekken and Verbruggen. “It’s not perfect, but everything is great,” Koeman said.
When he announced his list against Ireland and Gibraltar on Friday, Koeman was surprised to include 17-year-old Jorrel Hato among the defenders. “I’m looking for left-handed players. There are other candidates but they are right handed. “It went well because Nathan Aké retired due to injury,” explained the Dutch coach.
Aké’s loss was accompanied by Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey. Toulouse striker Thijs Dallinga was called up as a substitute.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
