Frank De Boer steps down from Netherlands role after Euros shock

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Netherlands boss Frank de Boer has stepped down after his side exited the European Championships in shock fashion on Sunday.

Frank de Boer steps down immediately as coach of the Dutch national team.

Thank you @FdeBoerofficial for all your efforts. We wish you all the best. https://t.co/izIGRxGjwu

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 29, 2021

The Oranje had impressed in their group games, scoring eight goals as they romped to all nine points in their group games, which saw them top their group and handed a theoretically easy tie against the Czech Republic, who finished third in a group containing England, Croatia, and Scotland.

However, the Czech’s tore up the script in Budapest, thanks to a helping hand from Dutch central defender Matthijs de Ligt. Seemingly in control of the tie, the Dutch were down to ten men after a handball by the centre-back, which was deemed the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity by referee Sergei Karasev after consultation with VAR.

It was a blow that de Boer’s side never looked like recovering from, and their man-disadvantage was duly punished thirteen minutes later when Tomas Holes fired home the opening goal, before Patrick Schick netted a second ten minutes from full time.

The result was one that ensured the Dutch exited the competition with a whimper, and given the talent at their disposal, far too early.

Frank de Boer is no longer Dutch national team head coach, official decision has been made as he parts ways with KNVB – statement confirms. ❌?? #DeBoer

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2021

The Netherlands were on the more favourable side of the tournament tree, meaning that victory over the Czech’s would have seen them play Denmark in the quarter-finals, then one of Germany, England, Ukraine or Sweden in the Semi finals. While no easy feat, it is certainly more favourable than the other half of the draw and represented a great shot at Euro success.

It is, therefore, no surprise that De Boer left the international setup ahead of the 2022 World Cup, although it is yet unknown who will replace the Dutchman at the helm.