Dutch media were left thoroughly unimpressed with the Netherlands national team for their ‘unnecessary’ World Cup qualifying draw vs Poland on Thursday.
The Netherlands dominated in Rotterdam, but were made to pay for missed chances when Aston Villa’s Matty Cash fired in a brilliant effort ten minutes from time. The draw leaves the Netherlands level with Poland in Group D, albeit with a game in hand.
There was a strong Premier League contingent in Ronald Koeman’s starting line-up, with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo described as the ‘standout player’ by AD – who labelled the final score ‘unnecessary’ given Holland’s complete dominance.
Players of the Netherlands pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Netherlands and Poland
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
However, other Dutch media outlets were more critical of the Netherlands team, with one picking out Manchester City summer signing Tijjani Reijnders for criticism.
Tijjani Reijnders ‘sloppy’ in Netherlands draw with Poland in World Cup qualifying
Central to Ronald Koeman’s system is the midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie De Jong and Tijjani Reijnders.
While AD said the three players ‘performed admirably’, another publication NOS was more critical. They said De Jong was ‘anonymous’ and Reijnders was ‘a bit sloppy’, adding that the interplay between the three midfielders needs to be perfected.
They finished by saying: “Impressive as it may have been on paper, the [team] wasn’t a guarantee of results, as it turned out.”
Reijnders himself said after the game: “In the second half the ball tempo was too low and it was more difficult for us to find those free spaces. But we have to keep our heads up.”
Tijjani Reijnders should lock down World Cup place – but Poland draw is wake up call
The mood in the Netherlands camp was extremely downbeat, with World Cup qualification suffering a setback. However, they still have a game in hand over Poland and Finland, with a trip to Lithuania next up.
Tijjani Reijnders of Holland, Bartosz Slisz of Poland during the World Cup Qualifier match between Holland v Poland at the Stadium de Kuip
Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images
The Dutch media analysis also seems to be unanimous that the Gravenberch-De Jong-Reijnders midfield is the one that should start at the World Cup next summer, assuming the Netherlands qualify.
So after a £46m move from AC Milan to Manchester City this summer, and an impressive start to life under Pep Guardiola in front of goal, Reijnders will not see a frustrating draw as much of a setback.
Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Rodri played for Spain as he continued his comeback from injury, and he will represent Reijnders’ biggest competition in midfield back at City.