“Super sad to watch him play” - Rafael van der Vaart launches scathing attack on Netherlands star

Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart criticized Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman for his poor display in their Euro 2024 encounter against Austria on Tuesday, June 25. He said he was happy to see the PSV Eindhoven man being subbed off.

Veerman was substituted in the 35th minute of the game after a horror outing at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The PSV midfielder completed just nine of his 19 attempted passes and lost possession with 55% of his touches (16/29). His misplaced pass in the sixth minute led to the move that resulted in a Donyell Malen own goal, giving Austria an early lead.

With the Netherlands needing attacking intent, manager Ronaldo Koeman took Veerman off for Xavi Simons. The RB Leipzig midfielder made an immediate impact, setting up Cody Gakpo’s equaliser in the 47th minute.

Criticizing Veerman’s performance, Van der Vaart said (via @TheEuropeanLad on X):

“I felt sorry for Joey Veerman. I was happy he got taken off because it actually became super sad to watch him play.”

Ronald Koeman's side came into the game as Group D leaders ahead of France by virtue of more goals scored. They beat Poland 2-1 in their opening Euro 2024 game before holding France to a goalless draw.

They needed at least a point against Austria to secure automatic qualification to the knockouts. However, the Oranje lost 3-2, resulting in Austria taking the top spot in the group. The result also snapped a seven-game winning run for the Netherlands against Austria.

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The Netherlands finish 3rd in Euro 2024 Group D after 3-2 loss vs Austria

The Netherlands lost automatic qualification to the Euro 2024 knockouts after a 3-2 loss against Austria in Berlin on Tuesday. The result meant that Ronald Koeman’s side finished in third place in Group D, behind Austria and France. However, they are likely to reach the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Austria twice had their lead erased by the Oranje. Cody Gakpo (47') and Memphis Depay (75') canceled out a Donyell Malen own goal (6') and a Romano Schmid strike (59'). However, Ralf Rangnick’s men secured all three points with a goal from Marcel Sabitzer in the 80th minute.

France finish second in the group after their 1-1 draw with Poland. Les Bleus won their opening game against Austria before being held to a goalless draw by the Dutch.