July 11 – Dutch manager Ronald Koeman has argued that “VAR is destroying the game” after England were awarded a controversial penalty in the Netherlands’ 2-1 exit at Euro 2024.
Koeman voiced his anger as England scored a crucial penalty in the first half of the last-four encounter to draw level. Defender Denzel Dumfries had tried to block Kane’s attempt in the 18th minute, but following an on-field review referee Felix Zwayer awarded a spot kick. It was hard on the Netherlands but pulled the English level shortly after the Dutch having taken the lead.
“I didn’t think it was a penalty,” said Koeman at a news conference. “This was really another decision by the VAR. What should you do as a defender? Denzel tries to block the ball and Kane shoots and then hits Dumfries’ shoe with his shoe. Football is really destroyed by such decisions by a video referee.”
In the second half, the Dutch players were visibly agitated by some of the decisions from the German referee. “I understand that,” said Koeman. “He whistled for things that are not whistled for in the Premier League. But that didn’t mean we lost. England played very well before halftime and scored a nice goal in the final phase.”
In his second stint with the Netherlands, Koeman ultimately reflected on a tournament in which Oranje exceeded expectations.
Few had expected the Dutch to reach the last four, but following a shock defeat to Austria in the group stage, the team woke from their slumber to dispatch Romania and Turkey in the knockout phase.
“I think everyone can be proud of this team,” said Koeman. “This is also evident from all the supporters who supported us in large numbers. It’s been a great tournament.”
“We have fought like lions. We just needed a little more balance and the English team did it better than us, so congratulations to them. I have to thank my players because they believed in something and it was good to see that … Although now it’s too late. We can’t do anything with that feeling, but in the future we will come back stronger.”
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