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'I'm not the first coach to lose on debut' – Netherlands boss De Boer defiant after Mexico friendly defeat

Frank De Boer was in defiant mood after suffering a 1-0 loss to Mexico in his first match in charge of the Netherlands, reminding his critics that he rested key players ahead of his side's forthcoming Nations League fixtures.

Raul Jimenez scored a second-half penalty to settle the friendly at Johan Cruijff Arena on Wednesday, which saw De Boer go head-to-head with Mexico boss Gerardo Martino, who he succeeded as head coach of MLS outfit Atlanta United.

De Boer left Atlanta in July following a poor run of form and his appointment as Ronald Koeman's successor as coach of the Netherlands raised concerns among supporters unimpressed by his record at club level in recent years.