Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman expressed his frustration with the use of VAR in football following his team's 2-1 defeat to England in the Euro 2024 semifinal. The match, held in Dortmund, saw England secure a spot in the final against Spain after a controversial penalty decision went in their favor.
The turning point of the game came in the 18th minute when a penalty was awarded to England after a challenge by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries on Harry Kane. Despite Koeman's protests that it was not a legitimate penalty, the decision stood, leading to England's equalizer from the spot.
Koeman voiced his concerns about the impact of such decisions on the game, stating that VAR was 'destroying' football. He emphasized that the penalty would not have been given under different circumstances and highlighted the frustration felt by his team.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, Koeman praised his team's efforts throughout the tournament, noting their resilience and determination. He expressed confidence in the future of the Dutch team, citing their performance in the knockout stages as evidence of their potential.
Looking ahead to the final between England and Spain, Koeman acknowledged that England would face a tough challenge against the Spanish team. However, he commended England's quality players such as Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, suggesting that they have the ability to cause problems for their opponents.
As England prepares to face Spain in the final, Koeman's comments add an intriguing perspective to the upcoming clash, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the use of VAR in football and the competitive nature of the Euro 2024 tournament.
