Amsterdam, May 24: Netherlands wing-back Denzel Dumfries has said the pain of the team’s dramatic quarter-final exit at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 continues to motivate the squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
The Dutch side suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to eventual champions Argentina despite staging a late comeback, with Wout Weghorst’s stoppage-time equaliser forcing the match into extra time.
Speaking to FIFA, Dumfries said the Netherlands now feel stronger and more prepared than they were four years ago, with the squad fully focused on winning the World Cup.“We only have one goal, which is becoming world champions,” Dumfries said. “We have the players for that, but we must prove it match after match.”The Inter Milan defender admitted the loss to Argentina was difficult to accept but believes the experience has made the team mentally tougher.Dumfries also recalled the Netherlands’ defeat in the 2010 World Cup final against Spain, saying he cried as a child while watching the match with family in Suriname.
The Netherlands, three-time World Cup runners-up, will once again aim to end their long wait for a first world title at the 2026 tournament. (AP)
