India, June 30 -- Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman pushed back strongly at questions over his defensive approach after his side crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting that the decision to use five defenders against Morocco was based on tactical analysis and not fear.

The Dutch were eliminated in the Round of 32 after losing 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The defeat brought another painful World Cup exit for the Netherlands, who had looked on course to progress before Morocco forced their way back into the contest and eventually held their nerve from the spot.

The post-match focus, however, quickly shifted to Koeman's tactics. The Netherlands, long associated with attacking football and a ...