Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands were left heartbroken after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Spain ended their UEFA Nations League campaign in Valencia.
The thrilling quarter-final had finished 3-3 after extra time, with the Dutch scoring two penalties during the match but falling short in the decisive shootout.
Van Dijk, who converted the Netherlands’ first spot-kick, expressed his frustration after the loss. “Losing just hurts… we could’ve made it,” the captain admitted.
Noa Lang and Donyell Malen missed their penalties, allowing Spain to advance.
The Dutch had drawn 2-2 in Rotterdam last week, setting up an intense second leg.
Now, Van Dijk and his team must shift focus to World Cup qualifiers, beginning with an away game against Finland on June 7. “We are going to do everything we can to make it,” he vowed.
