Virgil van Dijk says what everyone is thinking about World Cup frustration — 'Not great'

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Japan at the 2026 World Cup(Image: Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk says he doesn't like hydration breaks being in every World Cup fixture — with a game-by-game assessment of whether they are required a better solution.Many have suspected that the drinks breaks are there as an excuse to insert an advert for television viewers in the United States. At the very least, they can change the momentum of matches in key periods and turn a game from two halves into four quarters."I think hydration breaks are really interesting," Van Dijk said after the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan.

But I think I have said enough already on that."While Van Dijk scored, the Dutch were unable to hold out for the win. Daichi Kamada netted late on to level things and deny Ronald Koeman's men the three points, which didn't go down well.Virgil van Dijk scored the opener for the Netherlands against Japan in the World Cup group stage clash(Image: (Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images))"I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk," the former Netherlands, Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart said in the NOS studio at the half-time break."With him, I thought, 'That doesn’t look good.' Especially while turning.

I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament."In the United Kingdom, though, Roy Keane had a different opinion on Van Dijk, praising him for his opening goal."It was obviously a brilliant delivery from Ryan Gravenberch, and we know how good they are from set-pieces," Keane said on ITV Sport's coverage of the game.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. He’s such a goal threat, brilliant finish.