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Virgil Van Dijk Says Actions Of Referee After England Loss Sum Up His Display

Virgil Van Dijk Says Actions Of Referee After England Loss Sum Up His Display
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
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The Netherlands will no doubt be reeling the aftermath of their Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England this evening, with Ollie Watkins' last gasp strike securing a 2-1 victory for Gareth Southgate's side.

It was an incredibly close game, one that could have gone either way.

England were the better side in the first half, and despite falling behind to an early Xavi Simons goal, they will feel they perhaps should have gone in ahead at halftime after taking control on the back of Harry Kane's equaliser. The Dutch arguably created the better chances in the second half, although Watkins' goal proved to be a killer blow.

Of course, there was more than a hint of controversy about that England equaliser.

READ HERE: Heimir Hallgrímsson Comments Lead To Questions About FAI's Ireland Manager Search

Virgil Van Dijk Says Actions Of Referee After England Loss Sum Up His Display

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The decision to award England that penalty in the first half was a hugely controversial one, with many feeling that the decision was very harsh on the Dutch. It was certainly the type of collision that rarely results in a spot kick being given.

The Netherlands players were frustrated with the referee throughout the game, with a number of other marginal calls going against them over the course of the 90 minutes.

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Speaking to beIN SPORTS after the game, Virgil van Dijk said that the fact that the referee went straight down the tunnel at the final whistle told you everything you needed to know about his performance on the night.

I don't what to say. I don't know if I should say something about this.

I said it outside to Dutch media, I think it says it all that the referee went in quite quickly after the game. I had no time to shake his hand.

Listen, it is what it is. The game is done, we lost. It is very tough to take, certain moments it was obvious that it should have gone our way. It didn't.

Whatever the outcome, it's always tough. I don't know what to say, it's difficult to accept this. I'm full of emotion...

They keep changing certain things, small things that can have big impacts. Maybe it would be a good thing if they were held accountable as well.

Let them come here and speak to you guys and explain certain moments like we have to explain ourselves when we do something wrong as well. I think that might be something.

Listen, I shouldn't speak about others. We have to look at ourselves and unfortunately we are out.

The Netherlands will certainly hold plenty of regrets about this game, especially when it comes to that penalty.

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Such are the fine margins that can decide a game at this stage of a major tournament, with Euro 2024 being no exception.

SEE ALSO: Roy Keane Had To Tell Gary Neville To Settle Down With Euro 2024 Final Talk On ITV

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