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Netherlands 0-1 Algeria: Koeman's men stunned by late Hadj Moussa winner

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Netherlands failed to gain any momentum in their last home game before the 2026 World Cup, losing 1-0 to Algeria in Rotterdam.

Netherlands were dealt a blow in their World Cup warm-up as Algeria pulled off a shock 1-0 win at Stadion Feijenoord.

Anis Hadj Moussa, who played his club football for Feyenoord, was the matchwinner for Algeria in the 86th minute as Netherlands were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal in their last home match before travelling to North America for the World Cup.

Ronald Koeman's side started on the front foot as Donyell Malen hit the woodwork inside the opening 10 minutes before Tijjani Reijnders saw a goal ruled out for offside against Crysensio Summerville in the build-up.

Malen then missed the hosts' best chance of the friendly in the 19th minute, inexplicably firing wide of the left post from inside the box after a pinpoint cross from Summerville.

Mohammed Amoura went closest for Algeria before the break, seeing his effort blocked by Jan Paul van Hecke, while Justin Kluivert, one of 11 half-time substitutions from either side, was denied by Luza Zidane shortly after the break.

The defining moment then came in the closing stages, with Hadj Moussa cutting inside past Jorrel Hato on the right side of the box before curling beyond the reach of Robin Roefs and into the top-left corner.

Wake-up call for Koeman's men

Netherlands produced 2.2 expected goals (xG) in the defeat, with Malen responsible for 1.12 of their total before being replaced by Teun Koopmeiners in the 69th minute.

The Roma forward missed the chance to cement his place as a starter in Koeman's World Cup squad, especially with top-scorer Memphis Depay playing the second half following his recent return from injury.

Summerville provided a bright spark in an otherwise wasteful Dutch attack, while their defence would not be too disheartened, conceding to a wonderful strike from Hadj Moussa.

The Feyenoord man produced an impressive cameo off the bench, creating a team-high two chances, attempting the joint-most dribbles (three - along with Rayan Ait-Nouri), winning possession most often (four) and scoring from a shot worth just 0.02 xG.

Overall, Vladimir Petkovic will be delighted with his side's result as they begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against reigning champions Argentina.

Koeman, however, will seek a response from his side as they face Uzbekistan in one last warm-up game before their opener against Japan on June 14.

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