Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool team-mate Andy Robertson will help Scotland turn around their horror start to Euro 2024. Scotland were thrashed 5-1 by hosts Germany in the opening match of the tournament on Friday night.
Robertson and Co. were hugely disappointing in Munich and trailed 3-0 at half-time. An Antonio Rudiger own goal gave the Scotland fans something to cheer - although Steve Clarke’s side failed to have a shot on target of their own.
In a touching gesture, Liverpool captain Van Dijk has backed his fellow Reds defender Robertson to lead a turnaround when Scotland face Switzerland on Wednesday. The 32-year-old pointed out that Germany have some outstanding individuals.
“Germany made a very good impression. We played against them in the last international break,” Van Dijk said ahead of playing for the Netherlands against Poland on Sunday.
Related articles
“Certain players can make the difference, yesterday that was the case. The red card didn’t help Scotland but Germany are in a very good place at the moment and they’re playing at a high standard.
“I think Robbo will be fine, he’s the captain there. It’s never easy to deal with situations like that but I’m very confident that he will be fine and lead the Scottish nation to better days.”
Ten-man Scotland were torn apart by Germany. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala put the hosts 2-0 ahead, with Ryan Porteous’ horror challenge earning the Watford defender a red card and inviting Kai Havertz to convert a penalty.
Niclas Fullkrug and former Liverpool player Emre Can added gloss to the scoreline, with Rudiger putting through his own net. Robertson, Scotland’s captain who started at left-wing-back, admitted that his side had been outplayed.
"First half we got it all wrong really," the 30-year-old said. "We didn't really show up and their game-plan worked a million times better than ours did.
"Second half down to 10, I thought we dug in really well. We're well-backed here, we've got so many supporters and yet today was hugely disappointing.
"We have to bounce back quickly because there were a lot of things that were wrong and we have to sort it before Wednesday (against Switzerland)."
Scotland face a tough test against Switzerland on Wednesday. The Swiss defeated tournament dark horses Hungary 2-1 on Saturday. Scotland round off their Group A campaign against Hungary on June 23.
