The Netherlands suffered a 3-2 defeat to Austria on Tuesday evening to leave them third in Group D after a poor performance from Ronald Koeman’s side
Rafael van der Vaart slammed Virgil van Dijk for his “lack of passion” after the Netherlands’ dismal defeat to Austria on Tuesday evening.
Ronald Koeman’s side finished third in Group D after a chaotic display from the Dutch. An own goal from Donyell Malen in the sixth minute gave Ralf Rangnick’s organised side a deserved lead. Cody Gakpo restored parity shortly after the interval while Austria’s Romano Schmid’s goal was cancelled out by Memphis Depay late on in a thrilling but volatile match.
And it was another poor show of defending from the Dutch that left the door opened for Marcel Sabitzer to thrash home the winner for Austria at the Olympiastadion, clinching top spot in the group in the process after France’s 1-1 draw with Poland.
Van Dijk was particularly culpable for Austria’s winner, with the Reds veteran completely out of sync with his backline as he played Sabitzer onside. The shocking positioning allowed the Borussia Dortmund midfielder to rocket his shot into the roof of the net over goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Asked about the defeat afterwards, Van Dijk cut a dejected figure. “I don’t have an explanation for this performance,” the Netherlands’ captain said.
The uninspired assessment immediately garnered its share of criticism, with former Netherlands star Van der Vaart taking particular umbrage with Van Dijk’s flat post-match comments.
“We played the way Virgil van Dijk just talked!” the Ajax legend said. “We just had to watch a disgraceful performance! I want the captain from our country to show some passion!”
The Oranje went into Tuesday evening’s finale with a chance of topping the group after their victory over Poland and a draw with France.
But following their loss to Austria, Koeman’s side will now have take on a group winner in the round of 16. Who they will face remains to be seen, though a potential clash with England could be on the cards if Gareth Southgate’s side defeat Slovenia and secure top spot in Group C.
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