Rafael van der Vaart pulled no punches as he absolutely ripped into Virgil van Dijk’s performance against Austria at Euro 2024.
On Tuesday, the Netherlands suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat to Austria, who topped Group D following France‘s draw against Poland.
The Dutch could land a blockbuster tie in the last-16 after finishing in third place in their Euro 2024 group.
After their defeat against Austria, Van der Vaart brutally took aim at Van Dijk, who kept Marcel Sabitzer onside for his dramatic winner.
On his former team’s overall performance in Berlin, he slammed: “It was a very bad match, in all respects.
“We started weakly, with the ball, but also in the duels. Then you are behind the times. It was just a bad evening.
“We have to do much better, that’s clear.”
Van der Vaart added: “We played the way Virgil van Dijk just talked.”
The former Tottenham star continued: “There has to be some venom in there because it was a shame today.
“We just had to watch a disgraceful performance.
“I would like to see that from a captain in his interviews. I want to see some passion! The way I’m talking now.”
Virgil van Dijk cuts a frustrated look during the Netherlands vs. Austria. Image: Getty
Van der Vaart concluded: “It is a very deserved defeat. The second half started a little better, and then you see that Austria is a good, but also a very normal team.
“You play a little well, and then you catch them immediately.
“It is also the absolute will. You come back and then you get those balls again. It is unbelievable, so bad.”
The Netherlands registered four points in Group D, having beat Poland, drawn with France and lost to Austria.
Having qualified for the next round of the tournament as one of the best third-placed teams, their last-16 opponent has yet to be confirmed.
