Van der Vaart: Morocco deserved to qualify

Former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart has conceded that Morocco deserved their victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Morocco advancing on penalties.

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The Atlas Lions imposed their style from the beginning and were the more present side on the field.

Appearing on Dutch channel "NOS," Van der Vaart expressed admiration for the Moroccan team's performance. "The Atlas Lions imposed their style from the beginning and were the more present side on the field," he stated, emphasizing that their qualification was earned based on the game's dynamics.

In contrast, Van der Vaart voiced disappointment with the Dutch team's performance. He felt the Netherlands did not play to their expected level, despite taking the lead. "The Moroccan team remained the more dangerous side and more deserving of reaching the next round," he remarked.

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The Moroccan team remained the more dangerous side and more deserving of reaching the next round.

Van der Vaart was particularly critical of the Dutch midfield, noting that Morocco successfully dominated this area, which significantly influenced the game's outcome. He specifically criticized Frenkie de Jong, calling it one of his weakest performances for the national team. Van der Vaart questioned whether this was due to the coach's tactics or Morocco's superior play in midfield.

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The Netherlands did not play to their expected level, despite taking the lead.

This stance marks a shift from Van der Vaart's pre-match prediction, where he had anticipated a comfortable Dutch victory against the "Atlas Lions."

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He (Frenkie de Jong) presented, in my opinion, one of his weakest matches in the national team jersey.