Euro 2024 is already in the past, now the national teams are competing in the next competitions. In Africa, the teams are competing in the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations, in South America in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and in Europe – in the UEFA Nations League. A good result in this tournament can help in qualifying for the European Championships or in the draw, so there is something to play for. The Netherlands will face Germany, Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina in group number 3.
The competition will begin on Saturday, September 7. At 8:45 p.m., they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina at home. Three days later, also at 8:45 p.m. and also at home, they will play Germany. Ronald Koeman's team will enter both matches without striker Steven Bergwijn, who has not been called up to the national team.
Ronald Koeman has written off the player. He has only just moved to Saudi Arabia. “His chapter is now closed”
Koeman was asked about Bergwijn's absence from the squad during Tuesday's press conference. The coach did not mince his words and openly admitted that it was his recent decision that closed the door to the national team for him. “Steven Bergwijn is going to Saudi Arabia at the age of 26. Of course, it has nothing to do with sporting ambition,” the coach did not mince his words, as quoted by Tribuna.com.
– His chapter in the Dutch national team is now closed – he emphasized. – He didn't talk about it with me, but he probably knows what I would tell him – he added.
Bergwijn's transfer to Saudi Al-Ittihad was announced on September 2. According to Transfermarkt, the Dutchman has signed a contract with his new club valid until June 30, 2027. Al-Ittihad paid 21 million euros to acquire the striker from Ajax. It is worth adding that his current market value is 18 million euros. Previously, the 26-year-old played for Tottenham and PSV Eindhoven.
To date, Bergwijn has played 35 matches for the national team, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.