Netherlands hit 'minimal standard' vs. Japan, Koeman says - ESPN
ARLINGTON, Texas — Ronald Koeman has said Netherlands' performance in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Japan should be their «minimal standard» if they are to win the World Cup.
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Netherlands coach Koeman defends tactics after frustration against Japan
SANTA CLARA, California, June 14 : Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman defended his tactics and substitutions after Dutch hopes of victory in their World Cup opener were foiled by a late Japan goal in the 2-2 draw on Sunday. Two well-taken goals by captain Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville either side of Keito Nakamura's conversion put the Netherlands in the lead twice but a deflected Daichi Kamada strike two minutes from time saw the spoils shared. Six minutes after Summerville's 64th-minute goal, Koeman took off the winger in a triple substitution and later added a third centre back in Nathan Ake. The more defensive setup backfired, though, with Japan seizing the initiative and Ogawa firing a header goalward to set up Kamada's equalising deflection. Koeman, however, said he had no regrets about his tactics and that shoddy defending was to blame. "There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn't defend well," he told reporters. "Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they started defending as well. "So we could have scored a third goal.
Denny Hamlin wins at Pocono for third straight NASCAR Cup victory - ESPN
LONG POND, Pa. — Denny Hamlin, adamant he still plans to retire at the end of next season, won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his third consecutive victory and passed the late Kyle Busch for sole possession of ninth place on the all-time wins list.
Yamal fit to start on bench for Spain against Cape Verde
ATLANTA, June 14 : Spain winger Lamine Yamal is fit and ready to come off the bench in his side's opening World Cup game, but manager Luis de la Fuente said on Sunday that his entrance will depend on how the Group H match with Cape Verde progresses.
Nagelsmann wants to keep German train on the move after big win
HOUSTON, June 14 : Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann will not let his players rest on their laurels following their thumping 7-1 World Cup Group E victory over Curacao on Sunday as he knows tougher assignments lie ahead if they are to go deep into the tournament.
Germany's World Cup universe back in order with demolition of Curacao
HOUSTON, Texas, June 14 : Germany enjoyed a successful World Cup liftoff in Houston on Sunday with players and fans breathing a collective sigh of relief following their Group E 7-1 demolition of newcomers Curacao.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries lead England to World Cup of Darts title
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries produced a masterclass to secure England’s sixth BetVictor World Cup of Darts with a dominant 10-5 triumph against the Netherlands.
Antonelli 'empty' after winning run comes to an end
BARCELONA, June 14 : Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli said he was left with an empty feeling after his five-race winning streak came to an end at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on Sunday.