Euro 2024 - Why the Netherlands feel they were robbed against France

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk have expressed frustration over a disallowed goal in their 0-0 draw against France at the European Championship on Friday, Soccernet.football reports.

One of the most anticipated games in Group D failed to light up with goals as the 2018 World Cup winners and the 1988 European champions settled for a share of the spoils.

The match actually witnessed a goal in the second half but ultimately the Dutch joy was short-lived. Xavi Simons’ goal was ruled out due to Denzel Dumfries being offside and interfering with France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The decision was confirmed by VAR after a lengthy review.

Koeman reviewed the footage and disagreed with English referee Anthony Taylor’s decision.

“Dumfries was offside, that’s true. But he wasn’t disturbing the goalkeeper. In my opinion, it was a legal goal,” Koeman said in the post-match news conference. “Did they need five minutes to check it? I don’t understand. He wasn’t disturbing the goalkeeper.”

However, Koeman accepted the goalless draw as a fair outcome. Both teams now have four points, likely securing their advancement to the knockout stage.

“Although I think the goal should have stood, a draw is a fair result. We weren’t always at our best, but France is a great opponent. With four points from two games, I’m happy,” Koeman told reporters. “France seemed happy with a point too.”

Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk also believed the goal should have stood. “From my view, our goal was valid. France had their chances, but we had some opportunities too. A point is fair.”

Simons echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the VAR decision. “The VAR makes the decision, and we can’t change it. We have to move on. The most important thing was to perform well. We knew France’s quality and wanted to win, but we got a point.”

The draw leaves both France and the Netherlands with four points after two matches. Poland’s 3-1 defeat to Austria earlier in the day confirmed their elimination, regardless of their final group game result against France.

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