Rafael van der Vaart launched a scathing critique of Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their World Cup opener, likening the defender's turning ability to that of a 'Boeing 747'.
Van Dijk opened the scoring with a powerful header in the 51st minute at Dallas' AT&T Stadium, nodding in Ryan Gravenberch's cross to give the Dutch the lead. However, Japan twice fought back, with Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada scoring to secure a point for the Asian side.
Van der Vaart's Criticism
Speaking in the NOS studio at half-time, Van der Vaart did not hold back. 'I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk,' the former Netherlands midfielder said. 'With him, I thought: that doesn't look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.'
Keane Defends Van Dijk
On ITV, Roy Keane offered a contrasting view, praising Van Dijk's goal. 'It was obviously a brilliant delivery from Gravenberch, we know how good they are from set-pieces,' Keane said. 'Van Dijk is obviously on a good run of form in terms of scoring goals. He's had a tough season. Some of the deliveries tonight from set-pieces weren't great but when it comes back to Gravenberch… We saw Japan dropping deeper and deeper and once it goes in it's an absolutely fantastic header from Van Dijk. He's such a goal threat, brilliant finish. Going in off the post, brilliant. The way he guided it, there's no pace in it, but fantastic header.'
Neville Praises Summerville
Gary Neville highlighted Crysencio Summerville's goal as a moment of quality. 'There weren't many times that the Dutch got between the lines because Japan, with that 5-4-1 formation, were really compact,' Neville said. 'But Gravenberch gets into a really good space and he does a lot. He quickens up the attack. It's real quality and Japan just drop off that little bit. Summerville has got good runners around him, there's a runner on the outside, Donyell Malen just pulls away and all of a sudden he just gets that little bit of space to dip inside. I think the goalkeeper might be a little late to go, maybe he's unsighted, but Summerville just sets it out beautifully with his left foot and it's a great goal.'
The result leaves both teams joint top of Group F, with Sweden and Tunisia yet to play. Van Dijk will look to improve when the Netherlands face Sweden next weekend.
