Virgil van Dijk sparks FIFA World Cup controversy as VAR checks wrong thing
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesFIFA World CupLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk starred for the Netherlands in the World Cup group stage opener for the Oranje, where he was involved in some VAR controversyVirgil 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))Virgil van Dijk was at the center of some VAR controversy during the Netherlands' opening group stage game against Japan in the World Cup, as it appeared to ignore a potential foul in the build-up to his goal for the Oranje.The towering defender was one of three Liverpool stars to feature for the Dutch side, being joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo for the crunch match. The Netherlands entered the group as the favorites, but with a tricky task in taking on Japan, Sweden and Tunisia to book a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.Japan certainly provided a threat in the opening game for Van Dijk and his side, as its tight defensive shape made it difficult for Ronald Koeman's team to create anything of real substance.That was until the 51st minute, when Van Dijk got his head on the end of a cross into the box, with the ball hitting the post and eventually beyond the line to give the Netherlands the lead.There was controversy from VAR, however, as Japan appealed for a potential foul from the Liverpool defender, who seemingly pushed his defensive counterpart before getting his header away.The video assistants didn't check for the foul, however, and only made sure that there wasn't an offside in the build-up to the goal, much to the dismay of Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.Japan's coach was seen complaining to the fourth official after Van Dijk's goal(Image: ITV)Van Dijk's header broke open the game regardless of the VAR controversy, with another three goals following after the opener from the Liverpool captain.His effort on goal received plenty of praise, as former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's a brilliant header from Virgil van Dijk.
It's a super execution."He finds himself free and he still has so much to do. The ball skips off the turf and bends off the post.
It's a really clever header from Van Dijk."Ex-Scotland striker Ally McCoist was equally complimentary when he said on ITV: "That was a tale of two crosses - the first one was poor, the second one was excellent."The header from Virgil Van Dijk actually starts outside the post and curls in. It's a beautiful goal."There will be some frustration that a clean sheet didn't follow for the 34-year-old, as the Oranje had to settle for a point in an end-to-end 2-2 tie.Sweden is next up for Van Dijk, before a final match against Tunisia to confirm a place in the knockout rounds of the competition.It remains to be seen how far the Netherlands can go, but the experienced defender will have a big say on proceedings regardless.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCVirgil Van DijkFIFA World Cup