FC midfielder and one of many membership captains, , began his 2026 FIFA World Cup journey final night time with the Netherlands, drawing 2-2 towards Japan.
Ronald Koeman’s aspect appeared heading in the right direction for victory towards the Asian nation earlier than a set-piece purpose within the closing phases denied all of them three factors.
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Regardless of the disappointing end result, De Jong delivered an encouraging efficiency in midfield. The Barcelona midfielder was one of many ’s standout performers, dictating possession and offering a lot of the group’s creativity all through the match.
De Jong on Netherlands’ World Cup begin
Chatting with after the sport, De Jong expressed his satisfaction at representing the Netherlands on soccer’s largest stage.
De Jong’s Netherlands have been held to a 2-2 draw by Japan. (Photograph by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Photographs)
“Very proud to symbolize my nation in a World Cup. And really excited for what’s to come back,” he stated.
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The midfielder stays optimistic in regards to the Netherlands’ possibilities regardless of the setback of their opening fixture and is totally targeted on the challenges forward.
Certainly, he midfielder made it clear that the Dutch squad stays totally targeted by itself ambitions quite than public notion.
“We don’t care how individuals rank us. We do have the target of successful the World Championship, like all the opposite groups. And we’re going to attempt to obtain it,” he stated.
De Jong on Spain
De Jong was additionally requested about Spain’s prospects within the match and had no doubts about their skill to compete for the trophy.
’s Spain are one of many favourites. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
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“Spain has an excellent group. I feel they positively have an opportunity of successful,” stated the Netherlands star.
De Jong’s feedback mirror the widespread perception that Spain possess one of many strongest squads on the match and are among the many favourites to problem for the title.
have as many as eight gamers from Barcelona, beginning with teenage celebrity Lamine Yamal.