“A bit like a Boeing 747 turning”

Former Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart lambasted Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk’s performance in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a 2-2 draw against Japan (June 14).

Although the first half ended goalless, the centre-back’s defensive display irked van der Vaart. In the NOS studio during the half-time interval, the 43-year-old compared the towering centre-back’s turning ability to that of a ‘Boeing 747’ airplane, saying (via Metro):

“I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk. With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.”

The Dutch skipper started the second half on a positive note, heading Denzel Dumfries’ cross home in the 51st minute. However, towards the end of the game, he had another moment to forget.

In the 89th minute, the 34-year-old failed to mark Koki Ogawa from a Japan corner, with the latter’s header deflecting off Daichi Kamada for the equalizer. Notwithstanding his topsy-turvy performance, he won the FIFA Man of the Match award for his overall contribution in the game.

Besides the goal, van Dijk also had the most touches (114) and the most passes completed (95/103, 92%) of any player on the pitch. Defensively, he made eight clearances and an interception and won all three of his aerial duels (stats via FotMob).

“We can certainly do better” – Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk speaks out after 2-2 draw vs Japan at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk claimed that it was tough for his side to break Japan down in a 2-2 draw between the sides at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old scored the opener on the night (51′) with a well-placed header from Denzel Dumfries’ cross. Just six minutes later, however, Keito Nakamura responded with a right-footed strike that kept low and beat Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen (57′).

Winger Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ lead with a beautiful curled effort from the edge of the box (64′). However, in the dying embers of the game, Koki Ogawa’s header deflected off Daichi Kamada into the net (89′) and resulted in the points being shared.

Speaking to Dutch media after the full-time whistle, van Dijk who plies his trade for Liverpool at club level, said (via Metro):

“We played against a Japan that kept it very compact. That was difficult. In the end, we start with a draw. We can certainly do better. Onto the next one.”

Up next, van Dijk will be seen in action in Netherlands’ second game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, against Sweden, on Saturday (June 20).

Edited by Aaryan Nagraj