The Netherlands is set to clash with Romania on Tuesday for a coveted spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a tough group stage journey.
Vigil van Dijk reckons the Dutch squad might have rated their potential too highly at Euro 2024, merely clinching third place in Group D, trailing behind Austria and France.
In a nail-biting finale against Austria, the Dutch squad missed their shot to lead their group, instead scraping through as one of the best third-placed squads.
This turn of events may yet favor them, as they now avoid heavyweights such as Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, and Belgium in the subsequent rounds.
Initially pegged at 5.1% for clinching the title by the Opta supercomputer, the Oranje’s prospects are now slightly brighter at 7% entering their knockout bout against Romania.
Such underwhelming displays have drawn sharp critique from Dutch commentators, prompting Van Dijk to suggest perhaps their self-assessment was overly generous.
“Perhaps we’ve held ourselves in too high regard,” Van Dijk expressed to the media on Friday. “A plethora of issues needed addressing, and we’ve dissected many things.”
“Our clash with Austria was a debacle. It was dismal. We’ve delved into various matters, and now it’s time to step up,” he added.
“Our downfall wasn’t due to tactics. It really came down to our grit, our hunger to chase that vital second ball,” he continued.
“This isn’t something you run by the coaching staff. It’s up to us players to hash out amongst ourselves. So, we have, sparing no feelings.”
After receiving flak for his role in the defeat by Austria, Van Dijk is aware much more is required of him as the stakes climb.
“The criticism is completely justified,” he acknowledged. “I’m aware I wasn’t at my best and need to enhance my game—personal and team performance needs stepping up. I’m focusing on what I can elevate first.”
