Zlatan Ibrahimovic assigns blame for stunning Netherlands defeat at World Cup

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesFIFA World CupZlatan Ibrahimovic blamed Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman for his side's lost identity which led to the Dutch being eliminated from the World Cup on penaltiesThe Netherlands suffered defeat to Morocco through a penalty shootout(Image: Getty Images)Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has come under from Zlatan Ibrahimovic heavy criticism after his side’s shock World Cup defeat to Morocco, with claims the Dutchman abandoned the team’s traditional “identity” during the loss.The three-time finalists were knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32 in Monterrey on Monday night after a dramatic contest swung back and forth.Despite taking a second-half lead through Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands were unable to hold on as Morocco forced their way back into the match late on. The former Sweden striker targeted Koeman’s defensive approach, arguing that it played a key role in the team’s elimination from the tournament.Reacting on FOX Sports' post-match coverage, Ibrahimovic said: "I think this loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognise this Dutch team.

So, I decided this after a meeting with the group. I was trying to change the team according to the thinking about who could take the penalties.

I lost (Frenkie) de Jong, I lost Gakpo. It didn’t work, what can you do?"The defeat marks the first time in Netherlands World Cup history that they have failed to reach the Round of 16 after qualifying for the finals.