Netherlands coach wary of Morocco threat despite topping group

KANSAS CITY, Missouri: Netherlands coach Ronald ‌Koeman was taking nothing for granted after his side sealed top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, warning that next opponents Morocco would provide a formidable ​test in the World Cup round of 32.
The Dutch finished the group stage with seven points and 10 goals scored, but Koeman said attention had already turned to Monday’s knockout clash in Monterrey, Mexico, where any thoughts of a favorable path through the tournament would be put aside.
“I’m not sure if we are the favorite in the match against Morocco,” Koeman told reporters. “We need to prepare for Morocco, because it’ll be a big game.

It’s a good team with a ‌lot of quality, ‌and they can score easily.”
Koeman brushed aside questions ​of ‌what ⁠might await ​beyond ⁠Morocco.
“I don’t think we’re in a situation yet to think about that,” he said. “We’re going toward our real test, and that’s what we’re going to prepare for.”
Despite their comfortable progress into the knockouts, defensive improvements remain on Koeman’s agenda after his team conceded for a seventh consecutive game.
“We do pay attention to that,” he said.