Van Dijk and his Dutch teammates lost against England despite taking the lead through Xavi Simons as early as the 7th minute
By Kehinde Okeowo
Netherlands captain, Virgil van Dijk, has questioned the decision of referee Felix Zwayer to quickly leave the pitch after officiating their Euro 2024 semi-final match against England on Wednesday.
The Dutch lost the intriguing encounter 1-2 despite taking the lead through Xavi Simons as early as the 7th minute.
Harry Kane restored parity for the Three Lions from the spot in the 18th minute, before Ollie Watkins made it 2-1 to England after regulation time.
Kane’s penalty was awarded after Denzel Dumfries attempted to block a shot but ended up clipping the England captain on the foot.
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The VAR team recommended referee Zwayer to review his decision and the German official opted to award Gareth Southgate’s side a penalty.
There were also a few controversial moments during the second semi final match.
When asked about Zwayer’s performance, Van Dijk told beIN Sports: “I don’t know what to say, I don’t know if I should say something about this.
“But I think it says it all that the referee went in quite quickly after the game, and had no time to shake his hand.”
England after defeating Netherlands on Wednesday night will now face Spain in thе fіnаl оn Ѕundау, Јulу 14, аt thе Оlуmріаѕtаdіоn in Веrlіn.
Тhе stadium whісh hаѕ а сарасіtу оf 71,000, hоѕtеd thе 2006 FІFА Wоrld Сuр Fіnаl аnd thе 2015 UЕFА Сhаmріоnѕ Lеаguе Fіnаl.