The Netherlands have doubts about the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who was injured during a friendly match on Monday and is now doubtful for the World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday.
Verbruggen fell badly after being hit while catching a ball in the 2-1 win over Uzbekistan, forcing him to hobble away.
«He did not participate in training. We have to wait and hope that he can be there on Sunday,» coach Ronald Koeman said at a press conference at the team base on Wednesday.
But the coach later offered a positive outlook.
«It’s just a bruise, so we don’t know yet what it will be like on Sunday. We are hopeful, but we will have to see how far he actually is.»
Koeman said it was not a problem because he had other good goalkeepers.
«Who can play in goal? We still have to decide that. We will clarify this during our conversations with the goalkeepers,» the coach added.
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Mark Fleken took over from Verbruggen in the match against Uzbekistan and the third choice is Robin Roefs, who won his first cap a week ago when the Dutch lost a friendly to Algeria in Rotterdam.
Koeman was also asked if he had yet decided who would lead the attack in Dallas on Sunday, a question which related to Memphis Depay’s fitness following a thigh injury that has limited his playing time for the past three months.
“It’s Wednesday and we play on Sunday, but I think if I’m still in doubt, I haven’t done my homework properly.
«We know Memphis has had some injuries and hasn’t played in recent weeks, but now he’s back. Every day he’s getting closer to his top level.»
“He is our all-time top scorer and we need him, just like we need all the other players,” Koeman added.
Published on June 11, 2026
