Malen starts upfront for Netherlands, team 'full of confidence' for World Cup opener

The Netherlands team is brimming with confidence as they prepare to face Japan in their opening World Cup match in Dallas, Texas. Coach Ronald Koeman announced that Donyell Malen will lead the attack, with Memphis Depay starting on the bench.

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It's time, and the tournament can begin.

Koeman described his squad as "full of confidence" and ready to begin the tournament. He acknowledged Japan's strengths, noting their physical capacity to play a full ninety minutes and their offensive speed. However, he also identified areas where the Dutch team can exploit their opponent's weaknesses, particularly when Japan concedes space.

The tactical battle is expected to be intense, especially how the Netherlands will counter Japan's formation of three defenders and advancing wingbacks. This setup has previously troubled the Dutch team, as seen in World Cup qualifiers against Poland. To counter this, controlling midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to drop deep, effectively creating a five-man defense against Japan's likely five attacking players.

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We see a group full of confidence.

The starting lineup shows no major surprises, aligning with recent friendly matches. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is fit after a recent knock. The full starting XI includes Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven in defense; Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders in midfield; and Crysencio Summerville, Donyell Malen, and Cody Gakpo in attack.

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We know about Japan that they have the physical capacity to play at full throttle for ninety minutes. But we also know where the opportunities lie for us. They have moments where they give away space, we can take advantage of that.

"The feeling is good, we are completely ready for it," said Frenkie de Jong. "The plan is clear." The match is considered the most interesting in Group F, pitting the unpredictable but fast and defensively strong Dutch side against a structured, disciplined, and offensively oriented Japanese team.

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The feeling is good, we are completely ready for it. The plan is clear.