Netherlands’ hope for World Cup glory was broken into pieces as Argentina triumphed against their bitter rival on penalties.
Virgil van Dijk was a villain as his defence conceded 2 goals in a match, the first time in the tournament and then him turning out to miss the opening penalty kick for the Netherlands.
The Liverpool star has blasted the Referee on his handling of the match and has insisted he won’t watch any more of the Qatar World Cup.
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It was a thrilling encounter that saw Louis van Gaal’s Oranje fight back from two goals down in the final 20 minutes to send the game into extra time courtesy of a brace from Wout Weghorst.
After the extra half an hour failed to separate them, the tie went to the dreaded spot-kicks.
Van Dijk was first up for his nation and while the Liverpool defender is usually fairly reliable from 12 yards, this time he saw his effort saved by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who was in inspired form between the sticks for La Seleccion.
In a post-match interview, he claimed; “But people saw what happened. I think Fifa must take care of this, it cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance.
“The referee cannot fail to be up to the task. A lot of joy and relief. It wasn’t to go to penalty kicks. We suffered too much for how it all happened. But it’s the quarter-finals of the World Cup.”
Argentina will face Croatia in the semi-finals.
