Netherlands Torn Apart by Rafael van der Vaart After Narrow Escape Against Lithuania

Ex-Real Madrid and Tottenham star says Dutch players should be “utterly ashamed” after World Cup qualifier scare

The Netherlands may have walked away from Vilnius with three precious points in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but the mood surrounding Ronald Koeman’s side is anything but celebratory. A nervy 3-2 win over Lithuania, in which the Dutch squandered a comfortable early lead, has ignited fierce criticism from one of the nation’s most outspoken former stars – Rafael van der Vaart.

Speaking on Dutch broadcaster NOS, the former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder didn’t hold back in his assessment, describing the team’s performance as “nonchalant,” “dramatic,” and above all, “utterly shameful.” His words cut deep, not just because of his profile as a pundit, but because they echoed a sentiment that many fans have felt for months: this Netherlands team is far too fragile for its own good.

Netherlands let 2-0 lead slip against Lithuania

The match itself began in the best possible fashion for Koeman’s men. Two quick goals gave the Oranje what looked like a comfortable cushion, silencing the home crowd and setting the stage for what many expected to be a straightforward evening. But football rarely follows the script, and by half-time, the Dutch were staring at a nightmare.

Lithuania, ranked 137th in the world by FIFA, capitalised on sloppy mistakes and a lack of focus to claw their way back into the game, levelling the score at 2-2. For a nation with the rich footballing pedigree of the Netherlands, surrendering control so meekly against such modest opposition was nothing short of alarming.

It took a second-half strike from Memphis Depay – his second of the night – to spare the Dutch blushes. The forward’s brace was historic, propelling him past Robin van Persie to become the all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands with 52 international goals. Yet even Depay’s milestone couldn’t mask the unease surrounding the performance.

Van der Vaart unleashes scathing criticism

Netherlands

Enter Van der Vaart. Known for his sharp tongue as much as his cultured left foot, the former Ajax prodigy didn’t mince his words.

“First of all, you should be utterly ashamed,” he said bluntly. “Of course, you want to get off to a good start in a game, and that’s what they managed. And then you let it slip away. That says something about the nonchalance that everyone seems to possess.”

He reserved particular criticism for midfielder Jerdy Schouten, accusing him of disappearing when the team needed leadership most. “Schouten does nothing at all. Everyone thinks: ‘It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine,’ and no one intervenes. That’s almost like refusing to do your job,” Van der Vaart fumed.

In a remark that has since been widely quoted, he described it as “a miracle” that Schouten was allowed to stay on the pitch. “I’m actually a fan of his,” Van der Vaart admitted, “but today was dramatic.”

Ronald Koeman under pressure despite results

For Koeman, the result will be spun as job done. Three points away from home in World Cup qualifying is never to be dismissed. Yet the reality is that the Oranje’s performances under his stewardship continue to raise more questions than answers.

Just days earlier, they stumbled to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Poland, a match where creativity was lacking and defensive lapses proved costly. Against Lithuania, the pattern repeated itself. Early dominance was squandered by lapses in concentration and a lack of urgency once the opposition began to fight back.

Van der Vaart’s words reflect a growing concern that Koeman has yet to instil the ruthless edge that the Netherlands need if they are to be competitive on the world stage again. Yes, qualification for 2026 looks likely, but how will this side fare against heavyweights like France, Brazil, or Argentina if they are wobbling against Lithuania?

Memphis Depay’s milestone overshadowed

Ordinarily, Depay’s achievement would have dominated headlines. Surpassing Robin van Persie to become the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer is a remarkable feat for a player who has faced criticism throughout his career. His 52 goals in 91 appearances underline his consistency and importance to the national side.

But instead of basking in Depay’s glory, the narrative was hijacked by Van der Vaart’s damning critique. It speaks volumes that even on a night when history was made, the focus is on what went wrong rather than what went right.

For Depay, it is bittersweet. His goals kept the Netherlands on track, yet they also highlighted just how reliant this team has become on individual moments of brilliance rather than collective dominance.

Mental fragility and complacency

The recurring theme in Van der Vaart’s rant was complacency. “Nonchalance” was the word he used, and it captures perfectly the issue plaguing this team. Too often, the Dutch seem to believe that matches will simply fall into place because of their talent. When the opposition fights back, panic sets in, and basic errors creep into their game.

This mental fragility has haunted the Netherlands before. Fans still remember the disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, the underwhelming Nations League outings, and the inability to compete with Europe’s elite in recent years. For a country that prides itself on footballing excellence, such inconsistency is unacceptable.

What comes next for the Netherlands?

Looking ahead, the Netherlands remain in pole position to qualify for the World Cup from Group G. On paper, that is all that matters. But football is never just about results. Style, conviction, and mentality play a huge role in how a team is perceived, and right now, the Dutch are not convincing anyone.

Another lacklustre display could amplify the pressure on Koeman, not only from pundits like Van der Vaart but also from supporters who expect more. The next fixtures will be a test not just of quality, but of character.

If Koeman and his players want to silence the critics, they will need to show a level of professionalism and ruthlessness that has so far been missing. Otherwise, Van der Vaart’s stinging words may prove to be prophetic warnings rather than just a heated reaction.

Conclusion: A warning the Netherlands must heed

The Netherlands’ narrow escape against Lithuania may have ended in victory, but the fallout has been anything but celebratory. Van der Vaart’s brutal assessment has struck a chord with fans who are tired of seeing the Oranje stumble through games that should be routine.

Depay’s record-breaking night deserved more than to be overshadowed by criticism, but perhaps it serves as a reminder: individual brilliance cannot cover collective flaws forever.

For Koeman and his squad, the message is clear – results may be keeping them afloat, but performances like this will not be tolerated for long. In the words of Van der Vaart, the Dutch “should be utterly ashamed.”