Virgil van Dijk furious with the state of the pitch against Greece after late penalty drama

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk couldn't believe the state of the pitch after the Netherlands' 1-0 win over Greece.

The 32-year-old kept his cool from the penalty spot in stoppage time to secure qualification for the 2024 European Championships on Monday evening.

It was a cagey affair after Wout Weghorst's first-half penalty was saved, with the Dutch leaving it late to book their place at next summer's tournament.

Denzel Dumfires was tripped in the 18-yard box before referee Alejandro Hernández pointed to the spot and later dismissed Greece manager Gus Poyet for his protests on the touchline.

However, despite his heroics, Van Dijk was not best pleased with the condition of the pitch during his post-match interview.

"Have you seen the pitch? Terrible," he said. "It's unbelievable that this is still allowed at this level."

It has been a week of complaining for the Liverpool defender, who recently hit out at the Premier League schedule organisers for forcing players to play too many games.

"In England we believe the schedules are too busy," he said. "The players are getting paid well but it should never come at the cost of our health.

"We keep having to play more and more games. We as players should start saying something about it, contribute to a solution."

Asked whether he would be prepared to give up 10 per cent of his salary if he were to play less games, Van Dijk replied: "No."

He continued: "I don't think having to play less games depends on my salary?"

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