‘VAR Breaking Football’: Angry Koeman Slams Video Referee After Netherlands Lose Euro Semi-Final
LAGOS JULY 11TH (NEWSRNAGERS)-Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman heavily criticised the use of video assistant referees (VAR) for “breaking football” following a contentious penalty decision that led to England’s comeback victory during the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman claimed that VAR is “destroying” football after England were given a controversial first-half penalty that helped them secure a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semifinal. The Netherlands had taken an early lead through Xavi Simons’ powerful strike. However, England were handed a lifeline when Harry Kane was caught on the follow-through by Denzel Dumfries after the England captain had already shot over the bar. Initially, no penalty was awarded, but referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot after being advised to review the incident by VAR. Kane converted the spot-kick, and substitute Ollie Watkins netted a 90th-minute winner, securing England’s place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
“In my opinion, it should not have been a penalty,” Koeman stated. “He kicked the ball and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play proper football, and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football.” Despite the loss, Koeman expressed more pride than hurt, feeling optimistic about the future. He acknowledged the heartbreak of losing a match where he felt his team performed better overall but praised his players’ attacking mentality and resilience.
“I’m disappointed about the final result because it started well for us,” Koeman said, referring to Xavi Simons’ early goal. However, the Dutch struggled to maintain control in midfield against England’s Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden before regaining momentum late in the match.
“The feeling was we were the better team overall in the last 20 minutes; we attacked more. And suddenly, there was that great goal,” Koeman added, referring to Watkins’ stoppage-time winner. “And it was all over… that’s difficult to accept.”
Koeman reiterated his disagreement with the penalty decision but acknowledged that his team had opportunities to turn the game in their favor. “As a former defender myself, what could he do in that position? He tried to block the ball… To penalize that is to tell him we cannot play proper football,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Koeman remained proud of his players’ efforts and believed the Dutch fans should be optimistic about the future. He is already looking forward to the 2026 World Cup, confident in a promising mix of youth and experience within the team.
“I believe our team is capable of more, and there are players who will join us in the future. Some were not able to play because they were not fit,” Koeman said. “We have worked well together, which was important and gave us a path to follow. We have to improve some aspects, but we were really close to the finals. Great mentality… team spirit… I wish I could see them playing in the final, but it’s not possible. And I feel so sorry about that.”
India Today
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Posted by News Rangers
on Jul 11 2024. Filed under National, Sports.
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