The 2022 World Cup could be a “special” event for the Netherlands according to Virgil Van Dijk, as they head to Qatar full of confidence after defeating Belgium.
On Sunday, Louis van Gaal’s team played in their final pre-tournament match in the UEFA Nations League. Captain Van Dijk scored a rare international goal to help them defeat their neighbours.
The Netherlands are now unbeaten in each of their last 15 games since being knocked out of Euro 2020:
DWWWWDWWDWWDWWW
◉ Goals scored: 41
◉ Goals conceded: 14
◉ Clean sheets: 6Next up: The 2022 World Cup. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/AMKI8VV5DP
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 25, 2022
The impressive Dutch team will compete in the competition’s finals in summer 2023. However, only after another shot at global glory is attempted this winter in the World Cup.
What Did Van Dijk Say About The Oranje Team?
Van Dijk told reporters after seeing his solitary goal earn a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Amsterdam: “It was not a good game, but we won. That’s what we came for. This gives a nice feeling, although it should be much better.
FT: The Netherlands 1-0 Belgium.
ANOTHER VICTORY! 🇳🇱🔥 pic.twitter.com/p2iq01rCic
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 25, 2022
“But we must not forget that we are playing against Belgium. That’s one of the best teams in the world. We are going to the World Cup with a good feeling.
“We kept the clean sheet here and won. We’re going for it, we’re going to give everything. Hopefully it will be a special World Cup.”
Related Stories: Netherlands Defeat Belgium To Finish Top Of Nations League Group, Qualify For Final Four
The towering 31-year-old center back, who has had his form questioned this season, is now preparing to turn his attention back on club football once more.
With the return of Premier League action this weekend, Liverpool and Van Dijk will take on Brighton on Saturday.
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