Plane and simple: Dutch fans want 4-3-3 setup at Euro 2020

Published Jun. 12, 2021 9:44 a.m. ET

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ZEIST, Netherlands (AP) — A small plane flew over the Netherlands' European Championship training ground on Saturday pulling a banner that read in Dutch: “

“That’s not something you see every day,” Netherlands captain Georginio Wijnaldum said on the eve of the team's Euro 2020 opener against Ukraine on Sunday.

The

Whoever paid the pilot for the ploy is going to be disappointed, however.

Some argue that it is a counter-attacking setup designed to stifle opponents and hit them with counterattacks. They want more of the swift-passing, attacking soccer they consider the country's signature style and argue that 4-3-3 is the blueprint.

De Boer responded that his 3-5-2 formation is designed to push forward, with a five-man midfield including a player on each flank stationed high up the field — functioning more as wingers than as backs.

The debate has been going on for years. When the Netherlands last appeared at a major tournament, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, then-coach Louis van Gaal

De Boer, who is coaching the national team at his first major tournament, was unmoved by the criticism from above.

He joked that he’s also hired a plane to pull a banner reading: “Thanks for the tip, but it remains 3-5-2.”

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