Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk achieve Liverpool first at FIFA World Cup

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCLiverpool's players took center stage at the World Cup on Sunday, with two of them getting on the scoresheet as Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk created a bit of historyAlexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk were both on target for Sweden and the Netherlands at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk recorded a unique first as Liverpool players took center-stage at the World Cup.Five of the seven Reds still involved at this year’s tournament were in action on Sunday, with Yan Diomande also keeping Liverpool fans interested amid ongoing links over a move to Anfield.Van Dijk was joined by his fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo as the Netherlands began with a 2-2 draw against Japan, while Isak started Sweden’s comprehensive 5-1 win over Tunisia. Florian Wirtz was also in action as he bagged an assist in Germany’s 7-1 win over minnows Curacao.Both Van Dijk and Isak got on the scoresheet for their respective countries and, in the process, achieved something never done before by Liverpool players at a World Cup.With the two games separated by just six hours, Van Dijk and Isak became the first Reds to score for different countries on the same day at a World Cup.

And that wasn’t the only impressive stat recorded by the former on Sunday.With Gravenberch assisting Van Dijk for his goal against Japan, the pair became only second from Liverpool to score and assist a goal in a World Cup after Ian Callaghan set up Roger Hunt for England against France in 1966.Van Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 2-2 draw with Japan(Image: Getty Images)Van Dijk would go on to be named the player of the match for his efforts, although the Liverpool captain looked less than thrilled upon receiving the award after his side dropped what could be two vital points late on.The defender also directed his ire at FIFA as he joined his former manager Jurgen Klopp in criticizing the hydration breaks, which have been in effect at every game during the tournament."I think hydration breaks are really interesting," Van Dijk said. "I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today."I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like.

But I think I have said enough already on that."Van Dijk and Isak will be going head-to-head in their next game as the Netherlands faces Sweden on Saturday.Having missed out on an opening win, the Dutch will be in need of a victory, with anything less leaving them in a dangerous position heading into the final round of group games. As for Sweden, a win would send Graham Potter’s side through to the knockout stages, with Isak hoping to gain more form after a difficult first year at Anfield.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlexander IsakVirgil Van DijkFIFA World Cup