Victorious Virgil! Van Dijk the difference as Netherlands beat Belgium to finish top of Nations League group

Virgil van Dijk Netherlands 2022
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Virgil van Dijk fired in the winning goal as Netherlands ran out 1-0 winners against Belgium to end their Nations League campaign unbeaten,
  • Netherlands through to Nations League finals
  • Van Gaal's team unbeaten after six games
  • Van Dijk headed in the decisive goal

WHAT HAPPENED? The Liverpool defender made the difference for Louis van Gaal's side, jumping above the Belgian defence to meet a corner and head in the decisive goal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The win ensures the Dutch finish the campaign without a defeat, having won five of their six matches. Belgium, meanwhile, finish second having only lost to the Oranje on both occasions..

ALL EYES ON: Van Dijk has had a difficult start to the season at Liverpool and has come under scrutiny as a result. But the centre-back was in fine form for the national team and proved decisive in front of goal, too, to show he can still be at top form.

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MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:

Netherlands Belgium 2022

Netherlands Belgium 2022

Virgil van Dijk Netherlands 2022

THE VERDICT:

Assist maker Gakpo stood out once again

NL tweet 1

He has been fantastic for club and country

NL Tweet 3

Ajax star Timber is looking excellent, too

NL Tweet 2

WHAT NEXT FOR NETHERLANDS? Oranje have no more fixtures scheduled before the World Cup in November, so their next game will be at the finals in Qatar against Senegal.

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