Inter Milan & Netherlands Veteran Seeks No Excuses For Club World Cup Elimination: “We Had Our Share Of Responsibility” | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij accepts responsibility for last night’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Fluminense.

Speaking to InterTV via FCInterNews, De Vrij insisted Inter had no one but themselves to blame for losing in Charlotte.

Despite high expectations, Inter’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup journey ended in the first knockout round.

Indeed, Fluminense scored on either side of halftime to knock the Nerazzurri out of the tournament.

Stefan de Vrij was among the weakest on the pitch.

Furthermore, his poor anticipation and slow reaction helped German Cano grab an early opener for the Brazilians.

Though the Dutchman rose to the contest afterward, Inter couldn’t find a way back into the match.

A woeful performance from the Serie A runners-up resulted in an early exit, denying Cristian Chivu a shot at silverware.

Stefan de Vrij Refuses to Find Excuses for Inter Milan Defeat vs Fluminense

Inter Milan’s Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij reacts before the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Inter Milan at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, on November 26, 2023. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

“It wasn’t just bad luck,” De Vrij said after the game. “We also had our share of responsibility. We should’ve done much better.

“Of course, if you go behind straight away, everything becomes more difficult.

“We didn’t approach the game well, they were more determined in the duels. Then they dropped deeper, closing down space.

“In the second half, we created some chances, but we didn’t score. Now there’s disappointment.”

Inter seemed to have regained energy and grit in their final group-stage outing.

Indeed, Chivu’s charges looked like their former selves in a 2-0 victory over River Plate.

However, that resilience and fighting spirit were nowhere to be seen last night.

“As I said, there’s a lot of disappointment,” De Vrij continued. “We had to do much more and much better.

“Instead, they deserved to win. They’re a good team.”

Finally, he vowed to help Inter return to their usual best.

“When we return, we’ll do everything to win. Giving 100% every single day at work.”