Unusual action by the Dutch national soccer team before the start of the World Cup finals in Qatar: Elftal met 20 migrant workers during training in Doha on Thursday evening, gave autographs and played with the guests on a small field after the session.
Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the importance of the action. “We really wanted to do that as a group. It was good that we met everyone and got to know each other a little,” said the Liverpool star defender.
The unsatisfactory situation of workers in the World Cup host country is a real concern for the Dutch team. “We are not deaf and blind,” said van Dijk. You didn’t have much time, “but we talked and that gave us energy because they were so positive because they met us”.
It was important for Bonds coach Louis van Gaal’s team to form their own opinion. “We have to talk to the people. It was a big thing for us to have met them.”