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Ronald Koeman has quit as Netherlands manager after being knocked out of the World Cup on penalties by Morocco.
The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Morocco after extra time but failed in the shoot out after Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed their spot kicks.
It is the second time Koeman has managed his country, having previously done so between 2018 to 2020 before he left to manage Barcelona .
Koeman, 63, said on Instagram: “Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
"We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn't work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me.”
Koeman also referenced his wife Bartina's battle with breast cancer. She previously beat the disease in 2010 but was diagnosed again in 2024 and is undergoing chemotherapy.
“Moreover, the past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football,” Koeman added.
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"Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes."
In further fall out from the defeat the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said they will seek criminal charges against anyone who racially abused any of their players.
Kluivert, Timber and Summerville all missed their penalties and were subjected to discriminatory, racist and hateful comments on social media.
The KNVB said: “Once a report is filed, legal staff assess whether the statement constitutes a punishable offence. This can lead to a formal complaint being lodged with the Public Prosecution Service, which may then initiate a criminal investigation.”
Koeman became the third manager to leave his job at this World Cup following Sabri Lamouchi sacking by Tunisia following their 5-1 thrashing by Sweden in the opening game and Steve Clarke’s resignation from Scotland after they failed to get out of their group.
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