Why Justin Kluivert is still crucial for the Netherlands

Simon Zwartkruis, journalist for VI, writes on Google that Justin Kluivert with his specific qualities has a lot to offer the Dutch national team. For the first time since the disappointing World Cup, new opportunities are beckoning for the 27‑year‑old striker. ‘I have not walked the ideal path.’

His last touch of the ball in the shirt of the Oranje was one to quickly forget. It was he, the penalty specialist par excellence, who during the World Cup in the penalty shootout against Morocco hit the post. It has gnawed at him for a long time.

Penalty‑miss against Morocco continues to gnaw

‘I have no explanation’, Justin Kluivert reflects in the Oranje training camp on that painful evening in Monterrey. ‘Perhaps it helps that as a substitute I literally had not yet touched the ball.’ The first was that ball on the spot. I got into it because I can.

That’s how it was in my head during the tournament as well: If I have to take a penalty, they can count on me. I would do it the same way again. I think I did everything right. Except that the ball went onto the post.

Really shitty. But that’s also football. You have to live with it.