Van Dijk Slams Netherlands’ Defending Against Montenegro As World Cup Hope Takes A Hit

Netherlands’ quest of making a return to the Mundial in Qatar next year took a huge hit when they let a two-goal advantage slip in the final ten minutes of the game.

Memphis Depay had given Louis Van Gaal’s men the lead with two goals either side of half time and they looked on course to booking their place in Qatar but Montenegro struck twice in a six-minute spell to leave Netherlands’ hopes hanging in the balance.

The Dutch are still two points clear at the top but a loss to Norway in their final match could put their qualification in jeopardy, having also missed out in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Van Dijk could not hide his disappointment after the game and has tasked his side to get things right in their next match.

The Liverpool defender told NOS: "It is just scandalous how we played the second half. We all want to have the ball, we all want to play football, attack and score.

"But we have to make sure that we also think defensively. Spaces were created for them on the counter. And if you don't have the organisation right... It's just awful."

“We just had to secure qualification here. With all due respect to Montenegro, but as the Netherlands you just have to win here.

"Especially if you are leading 2-0. Maybe it was a bit of laziness. We need to discuss that carefully. Now it just has to happen on Tuesday in an empty stadium.

"We are going to prepare well. We keep faith in our group and are going to give everything, we can't do more. But it should definitely be better than tonight."