Van Dijk: We played poorly, we could have made it easier for ourselves

In the UEFA Nations League group stage, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 away, with Malen scoring both goals. After the match, Netherlands captain Van Dijk told NOS that although they won, the team did not play well.

Congratulations. How do you feel now?

I don't feel as satisfied as after our last match. I think we didn't play well today, and there's not much else to say. If we had converted our chances, we could have made it easier for ourselves, but we didn't.

The game could have become difficult, and there were indeed a few dangerous moments. Then we conceded a goal, which made things even harder for us. That goal came shortly after the start of the second half, which certainly didn't help. In short, we didn't play well today.

I think you have high expectations for the team. We've seen matches like this many times before; it's never easy against such opponents. You won in the end, shouldn't you be satisfied?

Of course, I'm happy. You play to win, and getting three points is the most important thing. But we certainly could have made it easier for ourselves, and we didn't, so I think we didn't play well today. We can also learn from our mistakes.

Your striker was very decisive.

Yes, he played well, didn't he?

He showed great confidence in taking that penalty. How was it arranged beforehand? I imagine Cody Gakpo is the first-choice penalty taker, and it's usually discussed with you. Did he immediately say, "Give me the ball"?

Yes, he was very confident and scored the penalty.

What do you think of him? He wasn't in the team initially, played an important role against Germany, and now he's scored two goals.

It's great to see that, of course. We need everyone, and this shows that. Malen came on for Brobbey, who has been playing exceptionally well this season, and Malen has also proven himself.

Finally, about that goal we conceded. The ball landed near you, and then it came back into that area. You were all there, but couldn't clear it, right? What happened? Was there hesitation?

It's hard for me to analyze that goal right now; I can't see it clearly so quickly. That ball was difficult to judge, and then it was played back in. You know, a powerful throw-in like that is always dangerous. If the first header isn't won, the ball will drop into a dangerous area. We won in the end, which is the most important thing. However, considering the quality we have, winning this match is something we should do.

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