'We could've made it' - Van Dijk reacts to Dutch Nations League exit

The captain of the Netherlands, Virgil van Dijk, expressed his disappointment following his team's exit from the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals at the hands of Spain.

In a thrilling match in Valencia, the European champions, Spain, triumphed over the Netherlands 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the teams ended regulation and extra time tied at 3-3.

The Netherlands successfully converted two penalties, one during regular time and another in extra time, but ultimately fell short against 'La Roja' as Noa Lang from PSV and Donyell Malen from Aston Villa failed to score in the decisive shootout.

"Losing just hurts," Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk told Dutch television after the loss. "It was a great football fight, but we are out. That's disappointing. We could've made it, but unfortunately, Spain progressed."

The Netherlands and Spain drew 2-2 in Rotterdam last Thursday after Mikel Merino scored an injury-time equaliser. "We showed a good version of ourselves in Rotterdam. We tried to pull that through, and we did that at times."

The Netherlands is set to face Poland, Finland, Lithuania, and Malta in the World Cup qualifying matches. Their qualifying campaign will commence with an away match against Finland on June 7th.

"It is important to take that into World Cup qualification. The difficult thing in football is to consistently reach a level and show it every time," Van Dijk continued.

"We are now going to do everything we can to make it to the World Cup."

The captain assumed control at the beginning of the penalty shootout, with Van Dijk stepping up to take the Netherlands' initial penalty, striking it decisively past Unai Simon.

"No doubt I would take the first one again now," Van Dijk proclaimed.

SportsLigue