Netherlands claim first FIFA Fair Play Award as Summerville nears Roma move

Fair Play Award, a first for the Netherlands

The Netherlands won the FIFA Fair Play Award at the World Cup on Sunday, a first ever for Oranje (1) (3) (6). FIFA announced it after the final (5). It is a small consolation after a tournament that fell short of expectations (4). Your team collected the fewest cards of all 48 nations and FIFA noted the respectful conduct of players and staff throughout the tournament (1) (3).

Summerville to AS Roma, five-year deal close

Crysencio Summerville is headed to AS Roma. The deal is nearly done: a five-year contract with a significant salary bump, according to Algemeen Dagblad (7). Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur all showed interest, but Roma moved fastest and talks are at an advanced stage (7).

Weghorst under fire from Koeman junior and TV analysts

Wout Weghorst is taking heat from two directions. Ronald Koeman junior said he watched Weghorst's interview about the World Cup exit with disbelief, questioning several claims the striker made about the team's tactical setup (2). Then on Sunday evening, Johan Derksen and René van der Gijp went further. Derksen called Weghorst a strange, emotional character who thinks he is a star, and said that is a misconception (8). Van der Gijp added that Weghorst's interview revealed a player struggling with his own image (8). Theo Janssen also weighed in, backing Koeman junior's critique (2).

Fan reactions

Dutch fans online are split. Some see the Fair Play Award as a genuine point of pride after a messy tournament, pointing out that no Oranje side has ever won it before. Others are not having it: a fair play trophy after that exit feels like a joke. The Summerville news has more consensus, most fans think Roma at this stage of his career is a smart move, though a few wonder if he is leaving the Premier League too soon. Join the discussion on r/Eredivisie