Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman says VAR ‘destroying’ recreation

Ronald Koeman mentioned VAR was “destroying” soccer after England have been handed a route again into their 2-1 Euro 2024 semifinal win in opposition to the Netherlands with a controversial first-half penalty.

England will play Spain in Sunday’s last in Berlin after Harry Kane’s penalty and a 91st-minute winner from Ollie Watkins secured victory for Gareth Southgate’s facet after Xavi Simons had given the Dutch a seventh-minute lead in Dortmund.

The sport turned on the awarding of a penalty within the 18th minute, although, when the VAR cited a problem by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries on Kane. Referee Felix Zwayer reviewed the incident and awarded a spot kick.

“This isn’t a penalty,” Netherlands coach Koeman mentioned. “His solely intention was to dam a shot. Harry Kane then shoots and their ft collide.

“Soccer is getting destroyed by these sort of selections by VAR. This penalty wouldn’t have been given in England.

“What do you have to do as a defender? I assumed the referee whistled for lots of foolish issues, however that is not why we lose.”

The Dutch reached the semifinals after beating Romania and Turkey within the knockout levels following a third-place group stage end. However having made it to the final 4 regardless of their poor group marketing campaign, Koeman mentioned there was sufficient proof to be assured concerning the future.

“There’s a whole lot of future on this crew,” he mentioned. “Usually, I’m very proud. I like how they gave one thing in each recreation. We began effectively, however England obtained on high in midfield and we needed to change issues. I assumed we then have been the higher crew, however they scored a killer purpose within the 91st minute and there’s no means to answer that.”

England go into Sunday’s last as underdogs in opposition to Spain, however former Barcelona coach Koeman believes Southgate’s crew have the gamers to win.

“England confirmed good soccer immediately,” he mentioned. “Spain play extra offensively and are somewhat higher defensively, however England is within the last to allow them to win the Euros. Gamers like Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham are world class and so they can put you in hassle.”