Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has reacted to Holland’s defeat to England in the semi-final of Euro 2024.
The Netherlands struck first at the Signal Iduna Park after Declan Rice was caught on the ball by Xavi Simons and the Paris-Saint Germain midfielder rifled the ball into the top corner.
England responded to the Holland goal after just 10 minutes following a controversial foul on Harry Kane in the penalty box allowed the Bayern Munich forward to rifle the ball into the corner past Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen.
It wasn’t until the 90th minute when substitute Cole Palmer slipped in another substitute Ollie Watkins who fired the ball into the bottom corner from an acute angle.
Van Dijk reacts to the defeat to England
After England dominated the first half in Germany, Ronald Koeman’s side responded in the second half and were in control of the game, without having any real attempts on goal.
The penalty decision, which swung the game in the Three Lions’ favour after a poor start by Gareth Southgate’s side, was heavily debated by pundits across the country with Gary Neville believing it was an ‘absolute disgrace’.
The Liverpool defender believes that the referee Felix Zwayer should not be allowed to take charge of a game again after some of the perceived poor decisions he was making.
Writing on Instagram, the Dutch defender struck a more measured tone, he said: “This hurts. After a long and intense tournament, our journey comes to an end.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to our fans who travelled with us, supported us and have been there for us all of the way.
“Time for a well needed break to rest and recharge after a year of ups and downs emotionally and physically. It was a privilege to lead this special group.”
Liverpool set to benefit from the Netherlands’ run to the semi-final
The Dutch were just minutes away from forcing the game into extra-time and who knows how that would have gone for the Oranje.
One player who looked back to his best was Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who was a particular stand out for the national team as he seemed to explode into life during the international tournament, just as he did for the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup.
Under a new manager in Arne Slot, Gakpo could well become the attacking force that was expected of him when he joined last year and he will certainly be needed, with the future of Luis Diaz uncertain.
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