Koeman, Van Dijk left frustrated over disallowed winner against France

Ronald Koeman and Virgil van Dijk believe Xavi Simon’s disallowed goal should have stood after the Netherlands’ goalless draw with France on Friday.

The midfielder thought he had given his side the lead in the 69th minute after latching onto Memphis Depay’s saved shot and picking out the bottom corner.

However, a lengthy VAR check saw the goal ruled out as Denzel Dumfries was judged to be blocking Mike Maignan from getting to it.

The Oranje were not happy with the decision at the time, and their ire continued into post-match, with a frustrated Koeman adamant they should have come away with all three points.

“I think the position of Dumfries is offside, that’s true, but he isn’t disturbing the goalkeeper and when that happens, then it’s a legal goal,” Koeman said.

“You need five minutes to check it because it’s so difficult? I don’t understand. He’s not disturbing the goalkeeper. I think the goal should have stood.

“I asked the referee, and he said it was offside, but I saw the clip about the offside. And after that, I have my opinion about the legal goal, but that was in the dressing room.”

Fought like lions. #NothingLikeOranje #NEDFRA pic.twitter.com/shh5JuuxUD

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 21, 2024

A win would have ensured the Netherlands a place in the last 16 with a game to spare.

Although four points are likely to see them through, it will go down to their final match against Austria on Tuesday to decide where they finish in the table.

While Van Dijk echoed his manager’s frustrations over the VAR decision, he remained optimistic about the result.

“In my opinion, Xavi Simons’ goal that was disallowed was a valid goal,” said Van Dijk. “But one point is a bonus, we have to be that realistic.

“We are playing against France, so I don’t think it is strange that you have difficulty in some phase of the match. The fighting spirit we have shown is very positive.

“Now we are on four points, and we continue towards Tuesday against Austria. We tried to remain compact at the back and still hurt France on the counter.

“We almost succeeded a few times, but we didn’t play it out well. We don’t lose, and we still have everything in our own hands.”