The Oranje faced a disappointing exit from the competition due to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute goal for the Three Lions.
Initially, Xavi Simons and Harry Kane scored in the first half, making the game tense and closely contested.
Simons’ spectacular early strike gave the Netherlands an early lead, but England equalized when referee Felix Zwayer awarded a controversial penalty after consulting the video assistant referee.
The penalty was given for Denzel Dumfries’ challenge on Kane, a decision questioned by many, including Van Dijk. Kane capitalized on the opportunity, converting the penalty to tie the score at 1-1.
After the match, Van Dijk expressed his frustration with Zwayer’s officiating, suggesting Zwayer’s quick exit from the pitch reflected the controversial nature of his decisions.
In a separate interview with NOS, Van Dijk elaborated on his disappointment, acknowledging the hurt of conceding so late in the match and emphasizing the Netherlands’ dominance in possession.
Statistically, Zwayer’s decisions seemed to favor England, with the Netherlands penalized 11 times for fouls compared to England’s six.
Zwayer issued three yellow cards to each team, highlighting the contentious nature of his officiating.
The outcome and manner of the match left the Dutch players and fans feeling aggrieved.
Van Dijk’s comments captured the emotional toll of the loss and the sense of injustice felt by the Netherlands team.
As they reflect on this defeat, the Oranje will analyze both their performance and the refereeing decisions that played a crucial role in their elimination from the competition.
