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الجزيرة الرياضية
Van Dijk responds to Dutch football criticism
The captain of the Dutch national team, Virgil van Dijk, accused local journalists of spreading misinformation regarding claims that he suggested playing with five defenders against Morocco, which allegedly led to their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. He denies having been involved in making such a decision. The controversy began with a news report suggesting that he and his assistant requested a tactical change, but van Dijk confirmed that the decision was made by the coaching staff, not him. He also acknowledged that the team performed below expectations but asserted that responsibility for the performance is shared collectively. The confrontation escalated when one journalist accused him of "destroying Dutch football," to which van Dijk responded that he receives criticism regarding his performances but rejects false narratives. On his part, the Dutch Football Association announced that van Dijk will remain team captain, and appointed Xavi Hernandez as the national team coach until the 2030 World Cup. The new coach's first matches began with a confrontation against Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
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