Oct 12 V7N - Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has decided not to call up a replacement for suspended captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of their crucial Nations League clash with Germany on Monday. Van Dijk received two yellow cards in the final stages of the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Hungary, leaving Koeman perplexed by the first booking, which came after Van Dijk protested a foul on Donyell Malen. 

Koeman expressed his frustration, stating that Van Dijk, as captain, should be allowed to address the referee and that the foul on Malen warranted a red card. Despite Van Dijk's dismissal, Koeman was pleased with his team's fighting spirit, as Denzel Dumfries scored a late equalizer after the Netherlands went down to 10 men.

With Germany leading Group A3 with seven points, the upcoming match is critical for the Netherlands, who sit two points behind. A win could propel them to the top of the group, while a loss could leave them five points adrift with two matches remaining. Koeman, however, remains optimistic after the team's resilient performance in Hungary.

END/WSP/RH/