Virgil van Dijk slammed over response to Netherlands' World Cup exit

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesVirgil Van DijkLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has faced a backlash after claiming the Netherlands' game plan "worked" following their World Cup exit on penalties to Morocco, with fans questioning his post-match comments.Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands team were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco(Image: Koen Van Weel/ANP)Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk sparked surprise by insisting the Netherlands' tactical approach "worked" against Morocco despite crashing out of the World Cup on penalties.The Dutch were held to a 1-1 draw with Morocco, who forced extra-time when Issa Diop equalised Cody Gakpo's second-half strike in the 91st minute. Ronald Koeman's men subsequently failed to convert three spot-kicks in the shootout, departing the tournament at the Round of 32 stage.Given the Netherlands were tipped to progress to the latter stages in the competition, their premature elimination has emerged as one of the major talking points from this summer's World Cup.Van Dijk's post-match remarks have prompted questioning from supporters on social media after the Liverpool skipper offered an upbeat assessment of the Netherlands' tactical strategy."[It's] Very difficult to analyse it now," he stated, according to Vi.nl.

I think we were well organized defensively. I think we scored a good goal.", reports the Mirror."Ultimately, in injury time, you get pushed back.

Then it goes to penalties; unfortunately, we get knocked out."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. Good process!".Another questioned: "21% possession in the 2nd half, was that the gameplan? ," while another stated bluntly: "You can say anything but not that the game plan worked."Morocco will progress and face Canada for a quarter-final spot in Houston on Saturday.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Virgil Van DijkLiverpool FCFIFA World Cup