“He would have never reached the ball” - Ronald Koeman slams referee for VAR decision that denied Netherlands win vs France at Euro 2024

Ronald Koeman has made his grievances clear after the Netherlands' goal against France in the Euro 2024 clash on Friday, June 21, was canceled due to an offside call. Xavi Simons scored a potential match-winning goal from a rebound in the 69th minute. But it was ruled out after a VAR review as Denzel Dumfries was in Mike Maignan's line of sight, thus blocking the French goalkeeper's view.

Speaking to the media after the match, which finished goalless, Koeman insisted that Dumfries was not blocking Maignan's line of sight. Moreover, the Dutch manager stated that the goalkeeper could have never reached the ball.

"Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper! It wasn't because of Dumfries that Maignan didn't went for the ball, Maignan did not react because he simply couldn't get to the ball anyway! He would have never reached that ball!" the Dutchman said (via The European Lad on X).

Koeman added that if there was so much doubt about the offside call, the referee should have declared a goal, criticizing VAR for taking too long to decide.

"If it's offside, then you don't need to spend 4 minutes touching your ear. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal!" he added.

Despite the 0-0 draw against France, Koeman explained that he was happy with the Oranje picking up four points from two games. He also accepted that France were better in terms of quality, experience, and physicality.

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Netherlands star Xavi Simons is optimistic after his goal was disallowed in a Euro 2024 clash against France

Despite his goal against France being disallowed by VAR due to an offside call, Dutch youngster Xavi Simons sounded optimistic after the match.

"We can be proud. I am happy that the team showed fighting spirit until the last second. Now we just have to go through vs Austria," Simons said. (via The European Lad on X).

The debatable VAR call came in the second half. After Cody Gakpo passed the ball to Memphis Depay in the French penalty box, goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied Depay's shot. However, Simons received the ball and deposited a rebound at the back of the net.

Simons's goal could have potentially handed the Netherlands a crucial three points which could've led them to qualify for the Round of 16 in Euro 2024 with a game to spare. However, the referee and the VAR decided to cancel the goal.

As per VAR, Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position and was blocking Mike Maignan's line of sight when Simons took his rebound shot. The goalkeeper was likely unable to dive to save the shot as Dumfries was blocking his view.

Despite the 0-0 draw, both France and the Netherlands are favorites to make it to the Euro 2024 Round of 16 from Group D.

Even a draw against Austria in their final group-stage fixture on Tuesday, June 25, could lead the Netherlands to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, France will face Poland in their final group-stage match on the same day.