Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has slammed the use of video assistant referees (VAR) for “breaking football” after England were awarded a contentious penalty in the Euro 2024 semi-final. The Dutch initially took the lead through Xavi Simons’ powerful strike, but Gareth Southgate’s side found a lifeline when Harry Kane was caught on the follow-through by Denzel Dumfries after shooting over the bar.
Originally, no penalty was given, but referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot after being advised by VAR to review the incident. Kane leveled the score with the spot-kick, and substitute Ollie Watkins secured a 90th-minute winner, sending England to the final against Spain on Sunday.
“In my opinion, it should not have been a penalty,” Koeman said. “He kicked the ball and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play properly and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football.”
Reactions from Pundits and Players
Former England defender and ITV pundit Gary Neville supported Koeman’s view, calling the decision “an absolutely disgraceful decision.”
“As a defender, I think there’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me,” Neville stated.
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer shared a more nuanced view on BBC Radio 5 Live: “There is no doubt that there is contact, but the defender [Dumfries] is trying to block the ball. The follow-through from Harry Kane makes the connection and I didn’t think it was a howler to be turned over.”
Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also felt the penalty decision was pivotal. “I think the penalty moment is a big moment, England had some confidence out of it. I think so many decisions didn’t go our way, but I don’t want to speak about the referee,” he added.
England’s Chances Against Spain
Despite the Netherlands’ dashed hopes of a first European Championship title since 1988, Koeman expressed support for England in the final. Spain has arguably been the best side at Euro 2024, winning every game they have played, but Koeman believes Southgate’s side has a chance.
“I think England showed great football in the first half after [being] 1-0 down,” Koeman commented. “It is football. Maybe if you watch all of the matches of the Spanish team, maybe they are playing more offensive, great wingers and ball possession, and you need to stop that. But England are in the final and have the possibility to win it. Spain are playing on a high level but England can stop them. Why not?”
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