Van Dijk’s early strike ruled out as Germany profit from Brobbey’s injury

Virgil van Dijk appeared set to become the first scorer under new national team manager Xavi Hernández when his powerful header in the twelfth minute was disallowed, leaving the Netherlands trailing Germany in the Nations League.

VAR decision and its basis

The Spanish referee, Alejandro Hernández Hernández, consulted the video assistant referee for two minutes before ruling the goal invalid. He judged that German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen had been impeded by Dutch striker Brian Brobbey, whose back allegedly hindered the keeper during the corner.

Photographer Pim Ras captured the moment of Van Dijk’s header, which would have marked his 97th cap for the Oranje.

Germany’s response and Dutch injury woes

Germany took the lead in the 32nd minute through Felix Nmecha, who finished a close‑range effort after a German attack that unfolded when Brobbey went down injured.

German goal sparks Dutch protest at Johan Cruyff Arena

Brobbey, a Sunderland forward, suffered a thigh injury and was immediately replaced by AZ striker Mexx Meerdink, the only remaining striker in the squad.

The Netherlands now face three more internationals in the next two weeks – two against Serbia and one against Greece – with Van Dijk poised to reach his hundredth cap in the upcoming match in Eindhoven.

Netherlands accuse Germany of lacking fair play

Van Dijk, who debuted on 10 October 2015 against Kazakhstan, has moved past Arjen Robben and Georginio Wijnaldum on the all‑time appearance list, sitting on 97 caps while the duo remain at 96.