Van Dijk on outstanding Oranje and shackling Isak

Virgil van Dijk left the field of play at Houston Arena feeling very proud of the Netherlands’ performance against Sweden. Following the Oranje’s 5–1 demolition of their fellow Europeans, the leader spoke to FIFA, as well as praised his side’s performance, particularly at the start of both halves.

“I think we were notable for most of the contest. We were very solid defensively, strong going frontman, and found the net five outstanding strikes… Now we’re on to the next one,” commented the rearguard star, who had the tough task of containing the going frontman duo of Alexander Isak, as well as Viktor Gyokeres.

“It wasn’t just them,” emphasised Van Dijk. “Of course, we’re well aware of the quality they possess; I know them well, especially Alex (Isak). In the opening period, right up until the water break, we were doing very well. they emerged following that changed their system, as well as let Alex play freely, drifting, as well as cutting in from the left. We struggled a bit with that, because he was always unmarked. In the subsequent period, we changed that, of course, and went back to playing very well.

“It’s always been about seeing it through to the end (against them); even when they create chances, you have to keep going, because the quality is there.”

This was the Netherlands’ opening victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. It also proved to be a much-needed result, securing top spot in Group F following a frustrating draw with Japan in the opening contest.

In response, a strike from the Liverpool rearguard star had the Dutch in front until the 89th minute of their opening contest, when a strike from Daichi Kamada levelled the find the net at 2–2. Despite conceding a late-stage strike, Van Dijk felt some of the reaction to the result was overblown.

“I think the outside world underestimated Japan a little; they’re a great side. That contest was always going to be difficult. The reactions after that fixture were a bit – I wouldn’t say disrespectful, but… Japan were unbeaten for a while; they went a spell without conceding a strike. They defeated Brazil, England, as well as Scotland. It was always going to be tough.

“Coming away with a draw, conceding a strike at the end – of course that leaves a bitter taste. But there were plenty of positives in that contest, and that’s what we’ve been building on this week. I think today showed what we did well, especially in the opening period of both halves. In the end, it’s all about winning, and It was we who secured 5–1. We’ll recover, as well as move on to the next contest.”

The Netherlands face Tunisia in Kansas City on 25 June in their showpiece Group F contest.