Fans slammed Virgil van Dijk for his performance in the Netherlands
Fans slammed Virgil van Dijk for his performance in the Netherlands' loss to Morocco in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Fans lambasted defender Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties in the Round of 32 and crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Monday, June 29).
After a relatively tame first half, the Dutch took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo. They seemed to have all but secured qualification into the Round of 16 but for Van Dijk's error in the dying embers of the match.
In the 91st minute, the 34-year-old was outjumped by Morocco defender Issa Diop, who nodded in Chemsdine Talbi's cross to send the game into extra time. With no goals in extra time, the game then went to a penalty shootout, which was won 3-2 by the Atlas Lions.
Besides his error leading to the equalizer, Van Dijk faced criticism for other aspects of his display on the night. He made no tackles or blocks and was censured for not stepping up to take a penalty in the shootout despite being the national captain.
On X, one fan wrote:
Echoing the sentiment, another remarked:
A supporter claimed:
"Why did Van Dijk not take a penalty? Guy is such a coward."
Along the same lines, a fan wrote:
"I just clocked van dijk didn’t even take one (a penalty)!? skshsbausjsiajshaha"
A fan asserted:
Another fan declared:
"Virgil van Dijk responsible for his team conceding a goal again? Perhaps he should look at his man, consider not losing him & actually defending him. Virgil van Disasterclass on the biggest stage, again. This is the most predictable narrative."
The Round of 32 exit is the earliest in the history of the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup, an unfortunate stain on Virgil van Dijk's legacy as the national captain.
"My only thought was to console them" - Virgil van Dijk makes claim after Netherlands bow out of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk claimed that his side actually executed their defensive plans well against Morocco in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Dutch defense held strong, withstanding a barrage of Moroccan attacks through the first half. They held the lead handed to them by Cody Gakpo's 72nd minute strike resolutely until the 91st minute, when Issa Diop headed in the equalizer.
Speaking to Dutch news outlet NOS after his side lost on penalties, Van Dijk praised his team's determination and rued the error that led to the Atlas Lions' goal. The Liverpool man said (via @espremealaranja on X):
"We defended well, we prevented them from attacking between the midfield and defense lines. But an error in stoppage time, and it was over. We trained penalties, we put in the effort. But in the end... my only thought was to console those who lost."
After overcoming the Dutch challenge, Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.