Masked Luca Zidane denies Netherlands as Algeria claims 0-1 victory

Ronald Koeman’s side controlled the tempo but extraordinary goalkeeping and an 86th-minute world-class strike sealed a frustrating defeat.

Photo: EFE

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a stern reality check for the Netherlands on Wednesday evening, as Ronald Koeman’s men fell to a surprise 0-1 defeat against Algeria at the Feijenoord Stadium. Despite controlling possession and generating a commanding statistical the Dutch side paid a heavy price for their inefficiency in front of goal.

The "Oranje" asserted dominance from the opening whistle, unpicking the Algerian low block but failing to find the clinical touch. In the 8th minute, forward Donyell Malen rattled the post with a powerful strike. Shortly after, Tijjani Reijnders saw an opening goal chalked off by a VAR review due to an offside position in the buildup phase. Malen remained at the center of the frustration before the interval, squandering a clear opportunity from a Crysencio Summerville cross and seeing a subsequent close-range effort blocked by desperate defending.

The narrative of the second half was dictated by Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane. Wearing a protective facial mask due to a jaw fracture sustained in April, the Granada shot-stopper produced a string of crucial saves to deny Cody Gakpo and Justin Kluivert. His finest moment arrived in the 84th minute, executing a brilliant reflex save to keep out a fierce volley from Memphis Depay.

Koeman’s tactical decisions further disrupted the home side's rhythm, as a flurry of nine substitutions saw key figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Nathan Aké subbed off to manage workloads. The resulting lack of cohesion proved fatal in the 86th minute. Young defender Jorrel Hato lost his positioning on the flank, allowing Anis Hadj Moussa to cut inside onto his stronger left foot and unleash a magnificent curling effort into the top far corner, leaving the Dutch goalkeeper with no chance.

In parallel international action, fellow World Cup participants DR Congo secured a resilient 0-0 draw against Denmark. The African nation delivered a disciplined defensive display to counter the higher-ranked Danes, stabilizing their preparations following the recent cancellation of their scheduled fixture against Chile. Elsewhere, Italy earned a 1-0 win over Luxembourg, Poland drew 2-2 with Nigeria, and Israel defeated Albania 1-0.