Koeman explained that Virgil van Dijk did not take a penalty in the Netherlands’ World Cup shootout defeat to Morocco because he was struggling with a calf problem.
Although some questioned why the Netherlands captain did not step up, Van Dijk has rarely been a penalty taker throughout his career. His only penalty in normal time came during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Greece, while he has taken just one shootout penalty for Liverpool, scoring in the 2022 EFL Cup final against Chelsea.
After the match, Ronald Koeman revealed that Van Dijk informed the coaching staff during extra time that his calf was causing him significant discomfort.
Koeman also explained that Crysencio Summerville was dealing with cramp, creating uncertainty over the fifth penalty taker. Wout Weghorst was therefore moved up the order, and Koeman added that had Summerville not been fit enough to take his spot, Van Dijk would have stepped up despite the injury.
The shootout began well for the Netherlands after Neil El Aynaoui missed Morocco’s opening penalty. However, misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Summerville saw Morocco progress to the next round, where they will face Canada.
Reflecting on the defeat, Van Dijk admitted it was difficult to process the result. He felt the Netherlands executed their defensive game plan effectively and limited Morocco’s chances before conceding a late equaliser that forced penalties. The Liverpool defender also pointed out that many top teams at the World Cup have adopted a similar cautious approach and said the squad had worked extensively on their tactics in training, while acknowledging there was little comfort to take after such a painful elimination.
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