A Commanding Victory Secures World Cup Berth
The Netherlands concluded their successful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Lithuania at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. While qualification was nearly certain before the match due to the team’s superior goal difference over second-placed Poland in Group G, the clean sheet win officially stamped their ticket to the finals. The match was significant not just for the team’s success, but for a remarkable personal milestone achieved by their towering captain, Virgil van Dijk.
The comprehensive victory featured goals from the dynamic Dutch attack, including a successful penalty conversion in the 58th minute from Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammate, Cody Gakpo. Although fellow Red Ryan Gravenberch remained an unused substitute, the night belonged to the commanding presence leading the Dutch defense.
Van Dijk Sets a Historic Captaincy Benchmark
The clash against Lithuania marked Virgil van Dijk’s 88th appearance for the Oranje. More significantly, statistics confirmed that the 34-year-old center-back has become the absolute record holder for the most times a player has captained the Netherlands national team, reaching 72 matches led from the start. He surpasses the previous mark held by former national team manager Frank de Boer. This extraordinary consistency highlights the immense trust placed in the centre-back, cementing his status as the undisputed leader of the squad.
A decade after his debut for the Netherlands, Van Dijk has undeniably established himself as one of the greatest players in Dutch football history, with many pundits considering him the best Dutch center-back of all time.
The Shadow of Injury and the Path to 100
Van Dijk's journey to this record-breaking achievement has not been without significant hurdles. Had he avoided the career-threatening cruciate ligament injury sustained in a collision with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in 2020, he would have reached the prestigious 100-cap mark much earlier. That serious setback forced the defender to miss nine months of action and 12 crucial national team matches, including the European Championships.
Despite that lost time, if the current trajectory holds and he avoids further setbacks, the Liverpool man is fully on track to achieve the 100-game milestone sometime next year, further solidifying his legacy.
Leading by Example: An Exemplary Performance
Against Lithuania, Van Dijk once again led by example, delivering a defensive masterclass. His performance stats were outstanding, showcasing his continued elite level:
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100% success rate in his five defensive duels.
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A crisp 91% pass completion rate, demonstrating his crucial role in building play from the back.
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He registered eight clearances, the most in the entire team, underscoring his aerial and positional dominance.
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He even contributed offensively, recording one shot on target, one key pass, and creating one big chance.
While some observers and critics have scrutinised his form for Liverpool this season, the reality is that the high standards Van Dijk has maintained throughout his career mean he is often judged more harshly than most other elite players globally.
As the Netherlands look forward to the 2026 World Cup, the presence of their inspirational leader, who is fully deserving of his second appearance at the tournament, provides both defensive stability and an intangible winning mentality. The record-breaking captain is ready to lead the Oranje deep into the competition next summer.