In an intense thriller played between Netherlands and Germany, the two heavyweights of European football, we witnessed points being split between the two as they continue to lead the UEFA Nations League Group 3. The game produced drama, action, and above all, some trolls.
Hosts Netherlands started well and were leading from the second minute itself from a Tijjani Reijnders goal. The Dutch team got multiple opportunities soon after to extend the lead but missed them all. Later, some howlers forced them to trail back in the first half.
Netherlands and Germany shared spoils in the second game of the ongoing Nations league.
After a goal from Deniz Undav in the 38’ minute, the scores were again leveled. Germany in no time scored another to take the lead. But, this goal could have been avoided. It was the same Denis Undav with a picture-perfect assist to Joshua Kimmich to extend the lead.
When Undav was catering the assist from within the box, Manchester United’s recent signing Matthijs de Ligt was well placed to block the pass, but to everyone’s surprise, he failed, and Kimmich got the ball for goal. Minutes after this goal, the half-time whistle blew and Ligt was immediately subbed.
The hosts did equalize in the initial minutes of the second half, but the score-line struck still post that. Fellow defender Virgil Van Dijk seemed unhappy with De Ligt, and he fumed in front of the media, saying NOS, “This is football. You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at the highest level you will get punished for it.”
A statement like this seems to be a warning for Matthijs de Ligt. And although this was a blunder, the statement didn’t go well with Manchester United fans. They took to social media to criticize Van Dijk, while some claimed that the Liverpool defender was more at fault, as he failed to mark the back post.
Many even seemed unhappy with the media’s treatment, saying it’s harsh on the Manchester United players, as De Ligt is getting criticized unnecessarily, and Van Dijk who was majorly at fault faced no charge.
While it remains debatable as to who was more at fault, Van Dijk or De Ligt. It is clear from the social media reactions that most Manchester United fans are not happy with Van Dijk’s statement and especially how the media criticizes their players.
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