Liverpool defender says squad must “look in the mirror and do much better”
Virgil van Dijk has urged the Netherlands to raise their level after they scraped past Lithuania in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.
Ronald Koeman’s side were expected to win comfortably against a team ranked 143rd in the world, but they needed a second-half goal from Memphis Depay to secure a 3-2 victory in Amsterdam.
The Netherlands raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening half-hour, only to be pegged back by two quick strikes before the interval. Depay’s second of the night restored the advantage midway through the second half, but the performance left question marks.
“We had a good 2-0 lead, but it ended too easily at 2-2,” Van Dijk said afterwards. “It was simply bad. The most important thing is the three points, but if we want to make progress, this obviously can’t happen.”
The Liverpool defender added that the squad must take responsibility for their lapses, saying they all needed to “look in the mirror and do much better”.
“Of course we’ll talk to each other and show each other videos,” said Van Dijk. “We’ll definitely discuss it after the match. When we meet again next time, we need to make things right together. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
The result follows a 1-1 draw with Poland last week, leaving the Netherlands level on points with their main rivals in Group E, though Koeman’s side still have a game in hand.
Upcoming fixtures against Malta and Finland in October will give the Dutch an opportunity to regain momentum before the return meetings with Poland and Lithuania in November.
