Virgil van Dijk: Dutch media react as 'things go wrong' for Liverpool star vs Morocco

Virgil van Dijk was seemingly helpless as the Netherlands were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup by Morocco on penalties.

The Liverpool captain has often popped up with a key tackle or a game-changing header, but it wasn't to be for the 34-year-old on Tuesday, 30 June.

Cody Gakpo and Issa Diop exchanged games in normal time at the Monterrey Stadium, with a shootout required to separate the sides.

And despite Van Dijk's success from 12 yards, it was noticeable that the centre-half decided not to take a penalty kick against Morocco.

It was such a disappointing end to the campaign for the Dutch, and the players are certainly being made to know just how the supporters feel.

While Crysencio Summerville, Quinten Timber and Justin Kluivert all missed their penalties, at least they attempted to keep the Netherlands in the tournament.

Virgil van Dijk the 'worst scoring player' vs Morocco

The Dutch media have certainly made a point of his lack of leadership after the full-time whistle, even if he was one of the better performers on the day.

Voetbal Primeur (30 June) wrote: "Van Dijk was the leader 'we' needed for a long time. The captain had his affairs in order, coached continuously (can anyone do better?) and radiated that the Orange would not fall over.

"Yet things went wrong. Van Dijk did not get off scot-free at the late 1-1. He did not take a penalty, after his miss four years ago against Argentina," awarding him a 6.5 rating out of 10.

Voetbal International, on the other hand, were much harsher, giving the defender a 5/10 rating, putting him alongside Nathan Ake as the "worst scoring player".

Back at Anfield, he often viewed as the player who can do no wrong, but with Ronald Koeman's side knocked out of the tournament, clearly, nobody is safe.

What do the stats say about Van Dijk's performance?

No chances created, no shots taken, and very little other impact in the final third. He was totally cut off in the final third [FotMob].

He remained calm under pressure, completing 91 per cent of his passes and 100 per cent of his ground duels, while also making six clearances and two recoveries.

It all looked to be heading in the right direction when his club and country teammate, Gakpo, found the back of the net in the 72nd minute.

The nation was emotional with him after the awful news from back home this week, but the Dutch just couldn't hold on in the latter stages to get through.