Continued https://youtu.be/XmYSLiPLFmg Kick-off at 5:00 on Monday, June 15, 2026. The Dutch national team is led by the country’s legendary coach Ronald Koeman, who was one of the world’s best center backs during his playing days. The current team, which has inherited the tactical acumen he cultivated as a defender, has an experienced back line as its greatest weapon. At the center of this is Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), known as the world’s best centre-back. In addition to his overwhelming physicality and high defensive ability, he has the calmness to not be fooled by his opponent’s feints and small body fakes. Van Dijk himself said of the secret to his defense: “Look at the opponent’s eyes, not at their feet.” No matter how technical the opponent is, his style is not to get fooled by scissors or small tricks, but to judge the timing and respond accordingly. Featuring talented players such as Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Julien Timber (Arsenal), and Micky van der Ven (Tottenham), the Dutch back line is one of the most complete in this tournament. Will the scissors and sharp dribbling that Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, and Takefusa Kubo are good at work against Van Dijk? Pay attention to his tactics with the world’s best defender, who cannot be broken by small tricks. Shinkenki Miroku @COEIROINK
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