Ronald Koeman claimed ‘football is broken’ after Netherlands were beaten by England in their Euro 2024 semi-final.
After making the best possible start, it looked as though the Dutch were on course to meet Spain in Sunday’s final when Xavi Simons blasted his side ahead in the seventh minute.
England, however, were gifted a fortuitous route back into the contest just 10 minutes later when Kane converted a controversial penalty.
Referee Felix Zwayer deemed Denzel Dumfries’ attempt to block Kane’s shot as a legitimate challenge but the VAR had other ideas and reversed the decision of the match official.
England beat Netherlands to reach Euro 2024 final – as it happened
Kane stepped up and tucked the spot kick away with his customary aplomb, much to the annoyance of everyone of a Dutch persuation.
A tight second half ensued, but England and super-sub Ollie Watkins ensured a dramatic finale with a superbly taken winner in injury time.
‘This is not a penalty. His only attention was to block a shot,’ said Koeman in his post match press conference.
‘Harry Kane then shoots and their feet collide. Football is getting broken with these type of calls by VAR!’
The former Everton and Southampton manager added: ‘First half yes, second half not. It was more 50/50.
‘They created problems in our midfield in the first half. We didn’t control how they play between the line with Foden and Bellingham.
‘Our feeling was maybe in the last 20 minutes, we are more fresh. They scored a great goal in the final minute and that is football.
‘Maybe we deserved an extra-time but it’s like that and we can be proud about our national team. We had a great tournament.’
A crestfallen Dumfries, meanwhile, the player whose supposed foul turned the tide back in England’s favour, said: ‘I take all responsibility for the penalty moment. I didn’t do it on purpose. I just wanted to block the shot.’
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