Virgil van Dijk in angry confrontation with fan after Netherlands draw vs Norway
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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk returned to action for the Netherlands on Wednesday night in a 1-1 draw against Norway. Despite a solid performance on the pitch, Van Dijk made headlines for what occurred after the full-time whistle.
In Wednesday’s World Cup Qualifiers, the Netherlands fought back from a goal down in Oslo to gain another point in a closely contested Group G.
Erling Haaland characteristically opened the scoring on 20 minutes before Davy Klaassen equalised later in the first half.
Both nations currently sit on seven points with Montenegro, trailing group leaders Turkey by one.
After the match, Van Dijk was interrupted whilst fulfilling his media duties as Netherlands captain.
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During his post-match interview, a hooded supporter rushed onto the camera with a phone in his hand and shouted, ‘VAN DIJK!’
The towering centre-back looked visibly annoyed by the interruption before shoving the fan out of the frame, muttering, ‘please.’
Van Dijk may not have been in the mood for fan interaction after dislocating his finger during the match.
The 30-year-old had to have it pushed back into place in the second half but finished the game with the injured finger taped up.
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It was a special way to return to the international stage, recording a dominant performance in Louis van Gaal’s defence.
Van Dijk took 99 touches and maintained a 91% accuracy from 78 passes, completing 12 of 18 attempted long balls.
He also won all eight of his aerial duels, made six clearances, one tackle, one block and created one chance.
His return to the squad will give returning boss Van Gaal significant hope over a successful 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Plenty of Liverpool fans will be happy to see home exit the game relatively unscathed, too.
Van Dijk has enjoyed a solid start to the new season after returning from the severe injury he suffered against Everton in October 2020.
The Dutchman has helped Liverpool concede just one goal in their opening three games, putting in dominant showings on each occasion.
His latest display against Norway will fill Liverpool fans with more confidence that the Van Dijk of all is truly back.
He will likely also play a key role in the Netherlands upcoming World Cup qualifiers over the next week.
Van Gaal’s men face Montenegro in Eindhoven before hosting current Group G leaders Turkey in Amsterdam.
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