De Ligt Takes Blame For Netherlands’ EURO 2020 Exit
Matthijs de Ligt has taken the blame for Netherlands’ shock EURO 2020 exit at the hands of the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Netherlands came into the game at the Puskas Arena as favourites after strolling through the group stages with wins over Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia but Frank de Boer’s men were undone by second half goals from Tomas Holes and Patrick Schick.
Indeed, Netherlands’ quest to reach the quarterfinals became even harder ten minutes into the second half when De Ligt’s deliberate handball was punished with a straight red card for denying Schick a clear goalscoring opportunity.
"Of course, it feels bad. We basically lost the match because of what I did. In hindsight, I shouldn't have let the ball bounce," the Juventus defender told NOS after the game.
"Ultimately, that moment changed the game. I saw how the team fought in the final minutes and I'm very proud of that, but I do feel responsible.
"We had some chances in the first half. No shots on target, but chances. I didn't really feel like they were much better.
"Of course, this hits hard. Playing in a tournament is always a golden opportunity. If you're then knocked out like that, it's even more painful."
Czech Republic will now meet Denmark in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
