Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk came in for heavy criticism after the Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties against Morocco.
Ronald Koeman's men looked set to reach the Round of 16 when Cody Gakpo struck in the 72nd minute to put the Dutch in front. The Moroccans equalised right at the death courtesy of a superb header from Issa Diop in the 90+1st minute.
The two countries couldn't be separated after extra-time and the game headed to a penalty shootout. Van Dijk didn't take a penalty and watched his nation fall to a 3-2 shootout defeat at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico.
Van Dijk Opted Not to Take Penalty vs Morocco
Virgil van Dijk argues with Morocco players at the 2026 World CupPro Shots/Sipa USA via Reuters
Van Dijk often has no issue stepping up and taking a penalty, and he's done just that throughout his Liverpool career. He famously scored an ice-cool spot-kick in the Reds' Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea in 2022.
Many expected to see the Netherlands skipper try to keep his nation in the World Cup after Justin Kluivert and Quinten Timber missed from the spot. West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville instead took Oranje's fifth penalty.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Summerville's effort and sent Koeman's side packing. A disastrous outcome for Van Dijk, whose country was eliminated in the first knockout round.
According to De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, Van Dijk "stepped aside" and let Summerville take the final penalty despite the West Ham man suffering from cramps. That decision hasn't gone down well in his homeland, and his international future has been cast into doubt.
The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in the Netherlands' team throughout the years, earning his 96th cap in the defeat to Morocco. He played every single minute of his nation's World Cup campaign, including scoring in a 2-2 draw against Japan and assisting in a 3-1 win over Tunisia.
Van Dijk Told he 'Betrayed' Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk in action for the Netherlands at the World CupPawel Andrachiewicz/PressFocus via Reuters
Van Dijk defended Koeman's tactical setup after the game, despite his team having just 30% possession. He told reporters:
"I think we were well organised defensively. They basically couldn't find the open man between the lines. So the game plan worked, of course. I think we scored a good goal. Ultimately, in injury time, you get pushed back. Then it goes to penalties; unfortunately, we get knocked out."
Despite this, the Dutch media have placed the blame for the Netherlands' early exit on Van Dijk and Koeman, suggesting the national team must move on from the pair. They even go as far as to suggest that the duo "betrayed everything our national football stands for."
That was Driessen's verdict following the loss to Morocco, and he believes the Liverpool centre-back has "had his time." He reckons Koeman's successor won't need to visit Merseyside to try and persuade Van Dijk to continue his international career to Euro 2028 because "it's time for a breath of fresh air and a fresh start" without him.
Van Dijk has often been called out by Dutch media and pundits during his international career. Marco van Basten took a swipe at the Liverpool star back in 2023, questioning his leadership abilities.
While he is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders of his generation, some evidently feel he doesn't possess the qualities required of a captain. His decision not to step up during the penalty shootout has stirred up debate not only about his captaincy credentials but also about whether he should continue with his national team.