The Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman slammed VAR’s decision to award England a penalty during their Euro 2024 semi-final match on Wednesday, July 10. The decision turned out to be crucial in the end, with the Three Lions emerging victorious by a 2-1 scoreline after equalizing from the spot through the call.
The Dutch broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, thanks to a wonderful long-range effort from Xavi Simons that flew into the top corner. A few minutes later, Harry Kane went to the ground after getting his shot away within the penalty area due to a coming together with Denzel Dumfries.
While it looked like the full-back’s only intention was to block the effort, he made contact with Kane, and it was deemed enough to warrant a foul. After the on-field decision was reversed by VAR, the Bayern Munich striker put away his spot kick to level proceedings in the 18th minute.
Substitute Ollie Watkins’ heroics late on (90′) would earn England the winner and send them to the final of Euro 2024. Speaking about the penalty after the match, Koeman said (via Metro):
“This is not a penalty. His only attention was to block a shot. Harry Kane then shoots, and their feet collide. Football is getting broken with these type of calls by VAR.”
With no third-place match in the European Championships, the Netherlands’ stay in Germany came to an end. Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate’s team will face Spain in the final at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Sunday, July 14.
Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries reacts to his penalty moment vs England in Euro 2024
The Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries assumed full responsibility for conceding the penalty against England in his side’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat.
He played a pivotal role in his team’s campaign until this point, making five appearances and bagging an assist. Dumfries said after the match (via Metro):
“I take all responsibility for the penalty moment. I didn’t do it on purpose. I just wanted to block the shot.”
The Inter Milan star nearly scored against England, hitting the crossbar from a headed effort in the first half.
Dumfries was tidy throughout the game, managing a 91 percent passing accuracy, while also making a goal-line clearance.
Edited by Samya Majumdar
