Qatar Tribune

Dutch captain Van Dijk snaps back after Van Basten jibe

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DOHA: Netherland­s World Cup captain Virgil van Dijk hit back at stiff criticism from Dutch great Marco van Basten, retorting: “I don’t think he’s ever positive.” A World Cup draw against Ecuador on Friday was not a result the Netherland­s were looking for, with the 1-1 outcome meaning Louis van Gaal’s team missed a chance to nail down a last16 place with a game to spare.

Late goals earned them victory over Senegal on matchday one, and the Dutch should have no trouble in getting a point against eliminated hosts Qatar next Tuesday to make sure of a spot in the knock-out rounds.

But letting Cody Gakpo’s sixth-minute opener against Ecuador be cancelled out by Enner Valencia’s leveller early in the second half left former striker Van Basten unimpresse­d, particular­ly with the Oranje skipper.

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