Virgil's last dance begins tonight - against Samurai Blue
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 14.06.26. | 14:00
The Netherlands face Japan in the most intriguing clash of the day at the World Cup (11 pm)
For more than a decade, Virgil van Dijk has been the rock at the heart of the Netherlands defence. Since the days of Jaap Stam, Dutch football has arguably not produced a more commanding centre-back.
Yet for all his individual brilliance, one thing has remained missing: a deep run with the national team.
According to Dutch media, the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be Van Dijk's last tournament in Oranje colours. The 34-year-old has reportedly decided to retire from international football once the competition concludes, regardless of the outcome.
It is a decision that has been brewing for some time. Van Dijk admitted after Euro 2024 that he had considered stepping away from the national team amid growing frustration and negativity around the squad.
"There was a lot of negativity in and around the group," he said at the time. "For a while, I felt mentally drained."
The years have brought captaincy, leadership and countless memorable performances, but they have not delivered the international success many felt he deserved. Since making his debut in 2015, the Liverpool defender has earned 92 caps and scored 12 goals, yet he has never gone beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament.
That may explain why expectations surrounding this Dutch side remain modest. Many in the Netherlands believe a quarter-final appearance would represent a realistic ceiling for Ronald Koeman's team.
Their World Cup campaign begins tonight against Japan, with Sweden and Tunisia also waiting in Group F. On paper, progression to the knockout stages should not be a problem.
But perhaps the knowledge that this is Van Dijk's farewell tour can provide an extra spark.
Dutch football has given him plenty of responsibility over the years. This World Cup offers one final opportunity for the team to give something back.
And maybe, just maybe, the last dance of one of the Oranje's finest defenders will end a little later than expected.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
First round
Thursday, 11.06.
Mexico - S.Africa 2-0 (1-0)
/Quinones 9, Jimenez 67/
Friday, 12. 06.
South Korea - Czech Republic 2-1 (0-0)
/Hwang In Beom 67, Oh Hyeon-Gyu 80 - Krejci 59/
Canada - B&H 1-1 (0-1)
/Larin 78 - Lukic 21/
Saturday, 13.06.
USA - Paraguay 4-1 (3-0)
/Bobadilla 7 og, Balogun 31, 45+5, Reyna 90+8 - Mauricio 73/
Qatar - Switzerland 1-1 (0-1)
/Khoukhi 90+4 - Embolo 17 pen/
Sunday, 14.06.
Brazil - Morocco 1-1 (1-1)
/Vinicius 42- Saibari 21/
Haiti 0-1 Scotland (0-1)
/McGinn 29/
Australia - Turkey 2-0 (1-0)
/Irankunda 27, Metcalfe 75/
20.00: (1.03) Germany (15.0) Curacao (50.0)
23.00: (2.10) Netherlands (3.45) Japan (3.50)
Monday, 15.06.
02.00: (3.60) Ivory Coast (2.90) Ecuador (2.30)
05.00: (2.00) Sweden (3.35) Tunisia (4.00)
19.00: (1.10) Spain (9.50) Cape Verde (27.0)
22.00: (1.70) Belgium (4.00) Egypt (4.75)
Tuesday 16.06.
01.00: (7.50) Saudi Arabia (4.20) Uruguay (1.47)
04.00: (1.95) Iran (3.35) N.Zealand (4.20)
22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)
***odds are subject to change***