Virgil van Dijk has rejected claims that the Netherlands were too defensive and negative in their World Cup Group F opener against Japan, which ended in a 2-2 draw after a late equaliser from Daichi Kamada.
Late Drama in Dallas
The Dutch appeared to be heading for victory after Crysencio Summerville restored their lead, but Japan struck back with just one minute of normal time remaining through a fortuitous Kamada header at the Dallas Stadium.
Dutch television pundits Wim Kieft, Pierre van Hooijdonk, and Rafael van der Vaart criticised the tactical approach after Summerville's goal, suggesting manager Ronald Koeman instructed his players to sit deep.
Van Dijk's Response
However, Player of the Match Van Dijk refuted those claims. He stated: "It's frustrating that the goal then comes from a set piece because we kept it tight well. It was difficult to play through them in the first half because Japan was very compact. Especially in the middle of the field, they completely locked it down. Then you have to switch sides faster."
Pundits Unimpressed
Van der Vaart, a former Tottenham playmaker, expressed little sympathy for the Netherlands. During his punditry, he said: "You kind of brought this upon yourself. It was just starting to look a bit promising, and then suddenly it became very defensive."
Ex-Holland striker Van Hooijdonk agreed, adding: "You drop back, but with Summerville and Donyell Malen you take all the speed out of it. Then you have absolutely no weapons left."
Koeman's Perspective
Koeman attempted to address the issue by introducing Brian Brobbey, noting that with Memphis Depay up front, the team ended up playing even further away from goal. Despite the draw, Koeman said he "can live with the result," though the Netherlands now face extra pressure ahead of their second match against Sweden.
Koeman commented: "It is a shame that the 2-2 came from a corner. But I can live with that. The result is the most important thing. Japan is a very strong, good team. I can live with it. There are plenty of things to learn from. I also saw some very good things."
Match Highlights
The Netherlands took the lead when Van Dijk powered home a 50th-minute header off the post. Japan equalised through Keito Nakamura, but Summerville fired the Dutch back ahead. Kamada then levelled with a late header, earning Japan a valuable point.
