Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman insisted his team’s main focus was to bag the three points rather than a high-scoring victory as the Dutch finalise their preparations for their World Cup qualifier against Malta at the National Stadium on Thursday (kick-off: 8.45pm).

The Dutch are currently sharing top spot with Poland in Group G on 10 points, albeit the Oranje have played one game less.

Thus, victory in Thursday’s qualifier is a priority for the Euro 2024 semi-finalists as they look to strengthen their bid for top spot in the group and secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in the United States.

“The three points are the most important thing. Our goal is to reach the World Cup, and I believe we are good enough to finish first in the group,” Koeman said.

The former Barcelona coach was reminded that in their previous outing against Lithuania, the Netherlands raced to a two-goal lead only to see the hosts fight back before eventually winning 3-2.

“Rest assured, if tomorrow we’re 2-0 up after 30 minutes, we won’t surrender that lead,” Koeman insisted with a grin.

Commenting on the condition of the National Stadium pitch, which had to be re-laid ahead of the match and still shows several bare patches, Koeman said the Dutch would not use the surface as an excuse if things went wrong at Ta’ Qali.

He declined to assess the pitch in detail, noting it was too dark to inspect properly, and defended his decision to keep the team in the Netherlands for training before arriving on the eve of the match.

“It allows us to work more comfortably and away from media attention,” Koeman said.

Koeman added that he had been pleasantly surprised by Malta’s approach in Groningen last June.

“They were very good on the ball and tried to build from the back. It’s nice to see Malta playing football in that way,” he remarked.

However, he pointed out that Malta’s downfall had been their lack of intensity and vulnerability in transitions.

“Perhaps they’ve learned their lesson, or maybe they’ll change their tactics since they’re playing in front of their supporters,” he said.

Asked whether the Oranje still held a grudge over the infamous 12–1 defeat Malta suffered to Spain 41 years ago in Seville – a result that denied the Netherlands from qualifying for Euro 1984 – Koeman who was part of the national team at that time, brushed the topic aside.

“That’s history now,” he said. “But yes, it was a strange result. Maybe you know more about it than I do.”