Van Dijk breaks silence after World Cup exit

Van Dijk: 'We failed, and we take full responsibility'

The captain has spoken. Virgil van Dijk broke his silence Monday with an emotional Instagram post after the Netherlands' penalty shootout exit to Morocco in the round of 16 (2) (3) (7). "As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," he wrote. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day."

He did not sugarcoat it: "Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that" (2) (7). Van Dijk also referenced things said behind the scenes: "A lot has been said and that is for another day" (2). He thanked the travelling fans and everyone back home who stood by the team.

Dumfries to Real Madrid is on

Denzel Dumfries is heading to Real Madrid. The right-back has his move lined up, with Barcelona his preferred destination among rivals, but it is Madrid who have got the deal done (4). A big club move for a Dutch international coming off a painful tournament exit.

Koeman's successor: Guardiola, Slot, and a Klopp near-miss

Ronald Koeman is considering his future, and the names to replace him are already flying. Valentijn Driessen has one clear preference: "If you can get Guardiola, you always do it" (5) (6). Arne Slot is also on the KNVB shortlist, according to reports (10). And Jürgen Klopp, now expected to take the Germany job, was apparently in the picture for Oranje before that door closed (9).