Corinthians' number 10 shirt does not leave the bench in the Netherlands' elimination from the World Cup
- By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial
On Monday night (29), the Netherlands team faced Morocco, in the 16th round of the 2026 World Cup, at El Gigante de Acero, in Monterrey, Mexico, and drew 1 x 1. The Dutch goal was scored by Cody Gakpo. In the maximum penalties, they lost 3 x 2 and are eliminated. In the group stage, the Netherlands led Group F with seven points - two wins and a draw - 10 goals scored and four conceded.
Coach Ronald Koeman chose the following team to start the match: Verbruggen; Van Hecke, Van Dijk and Nathan Aké (Koopmeiners); Dumfries, Gravenberch (Quinten Timber), Frenkie De Jong (De Roon) and Van de Ven (Jorrel Hato); Summerville, Cody Gakpo (Justin Kluviert) and Brobbey (Weghorst). The reserve bench had the following options: Robien Roefs, Mats Wieffer, De Roon, Weghorst, Quinten Timber, Til, Reijnders, Malen, Lang, Koopmeiners, Kluviert, Jorrel Haito, Geestruida, Flekken and Memphis Depay.
Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In the current edition of the World Cup, Memphis Depay accumulated an assist in three matches played - Japan (2 x 2 - 20 minutes), Sweden (5 x 1 - 18 minutes played and a pass for a goal) and Tunisia (3 x 1 - 13 minutes played). In this match, however, Corinthians' number 10 ended up not being called on by the Netherlands commander in the 90 minutes or in extra time.
The first stage between the Netherlands and Morocco had A Clockwork Orange starting with a higher pace and pushing the Moroccans into the defensive field but, at the same time, they did not require major saves from the opposing goalkeeper. As time passed, Morocco improved in the match and required two great saves from Verbruggen. The first happened after a headbutt on the first stick and the second after a firm finish from right-back Achraf Hakimi. The initial stage ended after six minutes of stoppage time, with a balanced scenario between the two teams.
The second half between the Netherlands and Morocco started with the Moroccans imposing themselves and being superior in the match, not allowing the Netherlands to keep the ball. In the first minutes, Hakimi finished firmly against the crossbar after receiving a pass on the baseline from the right. Verbruggen even deflected the ball. Halfway through the final stage, the Moroccans remained superior in the game, making the Dutch rely solely on the counterattack. Verbruggen scored at least twice more, once from a corner kick from the left and another after a shot from the midfield player.
In the 25th minute, Koeman made two changes: Koopmeiners and Weghorst came on to replace Nathan Aké and Brobbey, respectively. Despite being inferior in the match, it was the Netherlands who opened the scoring. In the middle of the second stage, after a cone for Summerville in the middle, he took off and served Gakpo, who hit hard and shook Bounou's goal.
After taking an advantage on the scoreboard, the Netherlands managed to control the match a little more and started to prevent Morocco from reaching the offensive field with some ease. In the final five minutes, Koeman made two more changes: Jorrel Hato and Quintem Timber replaced Van de Ven and Gravenberch. In stoppage time, Morocco equalized with defender Diop, after a cross from the midfielder.
Extension
The first minutes of extra time had the Netherlands with more possession of the ball and trying to put pressure on the attacking field. In the sixth minute, Verbruggen performed a miracle after saving a ball on the edge. Over time, the Moroccan team reentered the game and returned to balance the duel in extra time.
In the second half of extra time, the scenario of the match remained truncated, balanced and without many chances for either side. At 113, the sixth and final change, Gakpo left the pitch for Kluviert to enter. With 121 minutes, end of game: Netherlands 1 x 1 Morocco.
Penalties
Netherlands 2 x 3 Morocco
Memphis Depay moment
Corinthians' number 10 is experiencing a season below expectations. In 14 games for Timão in 2026, he has one goal and one assist. Between the end of March and the end of May. Memphis was sidelined, as he was recovering from a grade 2 muscle injury, suffered in a match against Flamengo, in Itaquera, in the eighth round of the Brasileirão.
Between the diagnosis of the injury and the start of the World Cup, Memphis Depay played in just two matches for Corinthians, one coming from the bench (Atlético-MG - Brasileirão) and the other starting as a starter (Platense-ARG - Conmebol Libertadores), but being replaced by Fernando Diniz right at half-time. He has a contract with Alvinegro until the end of July and there is still no definition regarding his future at Parque São Jorge.
Memphis Depay's numbers for Corinthians
Hired in September 2024 after not having his contract renewed with Atlético de Madrid, from Spain, Memphis Depay arrived at Corinthians and, immediately, was fundamental in the team's start in the previous edition of the Brazilian Championship (from Z4 to Pre-Libertadores), scoring seven goals and providing an assist in 11 matches in the national tournament.
Last season and at the beginning of this one, he was decisive in winning the Campeonato Paulista (2025), Copa do Brasil (2025) and Supercopa do Brasil (2026), accumulating two assists in these decisions and being important in the previous knockout stages. With the Corinthian shirt, he scored 20 goals and 15 assists in 79 matches.
The post Corinthians' number 10 does not leave the bench in the Netherlands' elimination from the World Cup first appeared on Central do Timão.
The content Corinthians' 10 shirt does not leave the bench in the Netherlands' elimination from the World Cup appears first in Central do Timão.
Source: Timao Central