Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk disappointed with World Cup opener | OneFootball

Virgin van Dijk scored the opening goal for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. Unfortunately for the Liverpool star, his side twice lost the lead to Japan, with the game ending 2-2. Speaking to the media after the game, the Liverpool defender spoke of his disappointment with the result. Van Dijk said ‘I am not happy with a point‘ before going on to say on Japan’s first goal ‘We have only ourselves to blame for that. It is clear that he is right-footed, so that could have been prevented‘.

Ronald Koeman is already coming under pressure from Dutch media and fans following the draw. The Netherlands head coach has already been questioned about the ‘negative’ substitutions he decided to make shortly after the side retook the lead through West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville. For Summerville, it was a moment he could only have dreamed of just a few months ago when he was on the fringes of the squad.

Next up for Liverpool’s van Dijk is a clash with Sweden, who thumped Tunisia 5-1 in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson