Virgil van Dijk comes out fighting as Liverpool captain left helpless in World Cup exit

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesVirgil Van DijkVirgil van Dijk could only watch on as the Netherlands suffered an early exit from the World Cup, crashing out on penalties against Morocco after being just moments away from going throughVirgil van Dijk has defended the Netherlands' approach following their exit from the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk has staunchly defended the Netherlands’ approach against Morocco despite their early exit from the World Cup.The Dutch fell at the first hurdle of the knockout stages, falling to a penalty shootout defeat against their African opponents, meaning Van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo will be making an early return to Liverpool this summer.Gakpo had looked to have sent his country through to the last-16 after scoring with just 18 minutes remaining, with the forward left in tears just days after announcing the sad death of his unborn son. Morocco equalized in added time though before Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed from the spot, sending the Netherlands crashing out of the tournament.The defeat ended a bad day for Liverpool’s stars, with Florian Wirtz also heading home after Germany’s defeat to Paraguay, although Alisson Becker and Brazil did survive a scare against Japan.Speaking to NOS (via VI) at full-time, Van Dijk defended his side’s approach, despite Morocco taking advantage of the Dutch sitting back after scoring.“Very difficult to analyze it now,” Van Dijk said.“An intense match.

So the game plan worked, of course.Virgil van Dijk reacts after the Netherlands are beaten by Morocco in a penalty shootout(Image: Getty Images)“I think we scored a good goal. Then it goes to penalties; unfortunately, we get knocked out.”Van Dijk added: “If you look at almost all the big teams at the World Cup: they also just drop back and they also wait for the right moment to apply pressure.“We trained hard on this for two days; at times it went well.

Of course, there are always things that can be improved, but anyway: that doesn't help us right now.”Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Van Dijk was left helpless as he watched his teammates crash out on penalties, with only Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst finding the back of the net for the Dutch during the shootout.Despite stepping up regularly in shootouts for his club and country in the past, Van Dijk was not part of the first five takers against Morocco, leaving him to console his teammates instead.“Intense, of course.