Image Credits: Imago Images
Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the Netherlands squad qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Lithuania on Monday night.
The Reds skipper led his nation to the victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with Ronald Koeman’s team managing an unbeaten qualifying campaign – pipping Poland by two points for the top Group G spot.
It will be the Netherlands’ 12th appearance at World Cup finals.
Ryan Gravenberch was rested for the win, while Cody Gakpo largely impressed Dutch media with a goal and an assist.
However, while it was a big night for the Netherlands sqaud as a whole, it was extra special for Virgil van Dijk.
The 34-year-old became the Dutch captain with the most caps as skipper against Lithuania with 74 appearances, breaking the record of former Barcelonad defender Frank de Boer.
De Boer said to the Liverpool centre-back via liverpoolfc.com:
“Virgil, congratulations on breaking my record as the player with the most caps as captain of Oranje.”
“You’ve worn the armband 72 times – a great achievement of which you should be really proud. You’re a true leader and hopefully many more great moments will follow with you as captain.”
Meanwhile, some sections of the Dutch media were not as praiseful of Van Dijk as they were of Gakpo for his showing at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ons Oranje gave him a 6.5/10 and wrote:
“He broke the record for most appearances for an Oranje captain and he did well throughout but there was a couple of poor moments that gave up chances.”
However, AD was more postive, giving him a 7/10 and explaining:
“He became the official record holder as captain of the Dutch national team against Lithuania. And in his 72nd international match, Van Dijk showed why.”
“Dominant in leading and supreme in the many long balls that the weak visitors tried.”
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