Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk fires back after Dutch pundits make World Cup accusation

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.

SportFootballVirgil van DijkVirgil van Dijk scored in Holland's 2-2 World Cup draw against Japan in DallasVirgil van Dijk has hit back at claims Holland were too defensive and negative as they tried to see out their 2-1 lead over Japan.In doing so, Oranje conceded with just one minute of normal time left to play as Daichi Kamada snatched Samurai Blue a big point in their Group F opener at the Dallas Stadium.Dutch TV pundits Wim Kieft, Pierre van Hooijdonk and Rafael van der Vaart were not impressed with the tactical approach after Crysencio Summerville's strike and suggested Ronald Koeman instructed his men to sit deep.Player of the Match Van Dijk refutes such claims, stating: "It's frustrating that the goal then comes from a set piece because we kept it tight well."It was difficult to play through them [in the first half], because Japan was very compact. Then you have to switch sides faster."Van de Vaart does not have much sympathy for the Netherlands after they were left to lick their wounds.

Then you have absolutely no weapons left."Koeman tried to rectify that with [Brian] Brobbey, because with [Memphis] Depay up front you ended up playing even further away."Boss Koeman says he "can live with the result" though Holland will now be under extra pressure to perform against Sweden in their second fixture.He said: "It is a shame that the 2-2 came from a corner. I also saw some very good things."The Netherlands took the lead when Van Dijk powered home a 50th-minute header in off the post.West Ham attacker Summerville then fired Oranje back ahead after Keito Nakamura had levelled before Kamada equalised with a fortuitous header.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Wim KieftPierre van HooijdonkRafael van der VaartLiverpool FCWorld Cup drawVirgil van Dijk