Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk criticised for his mistake in Austria’s winning goal vs Netherlands
Former Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock hit out at Virgil van Dijk for his mistake in Austria’s winning goal against the Netherlands in the 2024 Euros group-stage fixture on Tuesday.
Despite getting four points from their three group-stage fixtures, the Netherlands are only qualifying for the round of 16 as one of the better third-placed finishers, as they lost 3-2 to Austria on Tuesday.
It was quite an entertaining affair in the afternoon sunshine at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with Liverpool star Cody Gakpo continuing his fine form at the 2024 Euros by smashing home a stunning equaliser two minutes after the restart.
At 2-2, Austria got their noses in front in the 80th minute through Marcel Sabitzer, and eventually, that goal turned out to be the winner. It was another poor show of defending from Ronald Koeman’s side that left the door open for Sabitzer to thrash home the winner for Austria, and by doing so, Ralf Rangnick’s men surprisingly finished on top of Group D, relegating the Dutch to third.
While commenting on the game on BBC 5 Radio, Stephen Warnock had a go at Virgil van Dijk and his Netherlands team for their shambolic display.
“The Dutch just don’t learn at all. Virgil van Dijk is far too deep, he plays Marcel Sabitzer on. Sabitzer rifles the ball with his left foot past Bart Verbruggen at the near post. My word, what a game this is. They’ve taken the lead for a third time, Austria,” Warnock said on BBC 5 Radio (h/t Liverpool.com)
Virgil van Dijk has not enjoyed the best of tournaments thus far. He hasn’t looked at his sublime best for the Netherlands in the European Championships’ group-stage fixtures and was particularly guilty for Austria’s winner, with the Liverpool skipper completely in miscommunication with his defence as he played Sabitzer onside.
It was atypical of the hugely experienced defender, who had such a strong 2023/24 campaign with Liverpool. Van Dijk looked back to his best with his performances for the Reds this past season, helping a young and inexperienced side beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
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Mistakes are part and parcel of the game and Van Dijk would be desperate to right the wrongs for Netherlands in the Euros’ knockout rounds. Let’s hope the Liverpool stalwart gets back to his best and helps the Oranje win the tournament, thus in the process silences his naysayers.
