Virgil van Dijk explains what he was ‘not happy’ about in Netherlands draw with Japan | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk has spoken out about what he was ‘not happy’ about after Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan at Dallas Stadium.

The Netherlands captain opened the scoring in the opening game of group F, scoring his first-ever World Cup goal.

Despite taking the lead twice, they were unable to secure all three points after a late Japan equaliser. 

“It was an important opener, but we conceded too quickly after that,” van Dijk added. “That’s something that I’m not happy about.

“I think we kept it very tight in the back, I don’t think we gave many chances away.

“Overall I think we defended well but it’s the fact that we conceded two goals, one from a set-piece and one I think we could have avoided it – we could have done better there.

“The reality is that we have one point and now we have to move on. Two more tough games ahead of us and if we want to achieve something special, then we have to win our next two games.”

Netherlands played Japan at Dallas Stadium on Sunday and despite the 70,000-capacity stadium having a roof and being air-conditioned, the hydration breaks still took place.

The mandatory three-minute hydration breaks take place in every match of the tournament, halfway through both the first and second halves, but the Liverpool captain criticised the need for them.

“I think hydration breaks are really interesting,” van Dijk said. 

“I’ve obviously been watching almost all the games until today, and every time they are going to a commercial, it is a bit that I don’t really like. For the neutral, watching it on TV it is also not great. 

“So if it’s really hot, obviously it would be good to put them in, but I think they should look at every game separately in my opinion . I think I’ve said enough already.”

Netherlands face Sweden in Houston next, on Saturday 20 June, and Tunisia on Thursday 25 June.