Koeman warns Hakimi is a major threat as Netherlands brace for Morocco

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman singled out Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi as the primary threat as the Oranje prepare for a World Cup knockout clash with reigning African champions Morocco in Mexico, aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Defender Van Hecke said: "This is a match I am enormously looking forward to. These are the games you want to play at a World Cup. I think it's going to be a very heated match." The squad are braced for an intense atmosphere in Monterrey. Koeman warned: "He is the star man and a very good right-back, so we have to prepare ourselves very well for him." Captain Virgil van Dijk added: "I expect a great team with a lot of footballing quality, but also a team that is vulnerable." Midfielder Frenkie de Jong said: "I saw them play against Brazil, and they made a very strong impression on me then.

Of course, they reached the semifinals at the last World Cup, and I think they have a few very good players.

Mexico, Monterrey

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