Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt admits his mistake ‘sucks’ after Netherlands’ 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday evening.
Ronald Koeman’s side delivered an impressive performance in the opening game of their new Nations League campaign with United striker Joshua Zirkzee scoring his first international goal after just 13 minutes.
Ermendin Demirovic pulled Bosnia and Herzegovina level before Tijjani Reijnders put the Dutch back in front shortly before half time.
Cody Gakpo extended the Netherlands’ lead before Edin Dzeko capitalised on an error from De Ligt to pull a goal back for the visitors.
After a ball was played into the box from the right flank, De Ligt opted to leave the cross which allowed Dzeko to score from close range.
Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons struck late on to complete the Netherlands’ victory but the mistake stuck with De Ligt after the game.
When asked how he felt after his error, De Ligt told NOS: ‘I think you know how I feel
‘Despite the fact that I do – I think – 95 percent of the things right, that second goal, I could have done better. I know that myself.
‘I still have to watch it again, but I have the feeling that I am not completely successful with my passes. A bit of doubt, I thought the keeper was coming.
‘But not to blame it on Bart [Verbruggen], I should have just cleared the ball. Yes, I heard something behind me, but I don’t know if it was Bart. It just sucks.’
De Ligt also believes his lack of match practice was partly responsible for his error which allowed Dzeko to score.
‘What I’m saying is, I’m just doing my best,’ De Ligt said.
‘I also know that there are times when I can do better.
‘It’s also been a long time since I played 90 minutes. If I have to name something, I’m most satisfied with that.
‘That second goal where I can’t get my footing, I know from myself – the more matches I play, the better my footwork gets.
‘That is of course no excuse at all and I don’t want to use it at all. But in my head I know that I will do better next time.’
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