World Cup 2022: Virgil Van Dijk Brutally Fires Back at Marco Van Basten Who Blamed Him for Ecuador’s Goal

• Virgil Van Dijk has responded to criticism by Dutch legend Marco Van Basten who blamed him for Ecuador's goal
• The Netherlands let their 1-0 lead slip against Ecuador in their second World Cup match in Qatar
• Van Basten said the Liverpool defender should've done better to prevent the chance

Legendary Netherlands star Marc o Van Basten has brutally slammed Virgil Van Dijk for his perfomance versus Ecuador.

Van Dijk and the Netherlands produced an underwhelming display in their second World Cup match in Qatar and were outplayed for most parts by a determined Ecuador.

Louis van Gaal's side took the lead thanks to Cody Gakpo's sixth-minute stunner, but Enner Valencia's 49th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for Ecuador, according to Eurosport.

Although one would expect the Dutch to go through since they play Qatar in their last match, the 2022 World Cup has shown that unfancied teams can still shock the bigger teams.

World Cup Group D Analysis: Mbappe, Benzema lead France's defence against Eriksen's resilient Danish side

Football

Van Dijk hits back at Van Basten

Van Basten, who is a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, blamed the Liverpool centre-back for Valencia's goal. The defender was unable to block Pervis Estupinan's powerful strike, which was parried onto the path of Valencia

"Van Dijk is just waiting and watching him shoot. What is he looking at? He needs to be on top of him! He just lets him shoot!," according to the Mirror.

The Dutch are favourites to finish top of Group A. They play already eliminated hosts Qatar who have lost both matches to Ecuador and Senegal.

Van Dijk fired back at the AC Milan hero with some strong words.

"I don't think he is ever positive, so what am I supposed to do with it? It's easy to talk from the studio. Me failing as a captain? What do you want me to do with that info? I am always up front. I lead the team the best way possible."

Messi's Argentina and champions France jet to World Cup

Football

After the incredible 2014 World Cup for the Dutch, they failed to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia. Van Basten was part of the Netherlands' squad that won Euros in 1988.

Van Dijk on One Love armband

Sports Brief earlier reported on Van Dijk defending the decision not to wear the 'One Love' armband.

Van Dijk captained the Dutch national team to a 2-0 victory over Senegal but has faced criticism for not wearing the OneLove armband supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

FIFA earlier warned that the captain of any country wearing the armband in Qatar would be shown a yellow card as it opposes the host nation's culture.