Before the semi-final, refereeing was a big issue, especially in England. After the 2-1 defeat to England, however, the Netherlands had one decision in particular to contend with.
Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman criticized the German refereeing team led by Felix Zwayer and video assistant Bastian Dankert for their penalty decision. "What can you do as a defender? I don't think there should have been a penalty," said Koeman. "It just breaks football."
Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries had tried to block a shot from Harry Kane in the penalty area, but hit the striker hard on the foot. After viewing the video footage, German referee Felix Zwayer awarded a penalty, which Kane himself converted in the 18th minute to make it 1-1. This goal brought England back into the game.
"Not the reason for the defeat"
However, Koeman did not want to blame the referees for the defeat. "That's not the reason for our defeat," said the 61-year-old Bonds coach. "They scored a second goal and that was the reason for our defeat." Ollie Watkins had scored the winner for England in the first minute of stoppage time.
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk was more critical of Zwayer. "The fact that he runs straight into the dressing room says it all," said Van Dijk. Specifically, he criticized Zwayer's game management in the final minutes. Regarding the penalty, the defensive boss said: "I wouldn't have given it. But in the end, the video referee intervened - and we have to accept that."
Dumfries said: "There was contact with Kane, so you know that the referee can give the penalty. I take responsibility for that. You do everything you can to prevent a goal, but then something like that happens."
Criticism even from England
Zwayer's decision was met with skepticism in England before the game. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Jude Bellingham had heavily criticized the now 43-year-old after a defeat against FC Bayern.
Although it was in favor of the Three Lions, even some British experts did not like the penalty decision. Former international Gary Neville called the whistle a "disgrace" and added: "A scandalous decision. For a penalty to be awarded like that, no matter when, and certainly not in such an important game. Of course he goes in and tries to block the shot. That's never a penalty."
SDA
