Football News Update: Netherlands Captain Virgil van Dijk Acknowledges Potential Overestimation Prior to Euro 2024
In a post-match analysis, Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk expressed that the Dutch team may have overestimated themselves going into the Euro 2024 tournament. The Netherlands only qualified for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers after suffering a defeat against Austria on Tuesday.
“I can completely understand the criticism,” Van Dijk stated. “Things overall can and should be better. Maybe we overestimated ourselves.”
Ronald Koeman’s side finished behind France as Austria topped Group D with an impressive six points. The Netherlands, who last won the European Championship 36 years ago, know they will need to play much better to repeat that success in Germany.
Van Dijk acknowledged that the team had to engage in extensive analysis and discussions following the defeat to Austria.
“A lot had to be said [following the defeat to Austria] and we had to analyse a lot,” he said. “It was not the tactics where things went wrong. It was mainly the will to win, so we have talked about that and with harsh words.”
The Liverpool captain was heavily criticized by former midfielder Rafael van der Vaart on Dutch TV channel NOS, who accused him of showing a lack of passion in an overall “disgraceful performance” against Austria. Van Dijk took responsibility for his role in the third and decisive Austria goal in Berlin, stating, “I’m not stupid. I also know that I can do better and that it should be better, and that’s what I’m working on.”
The Netherlands will face Romania in a crucial match for a place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 BST on BBC One.
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