Verstappen backs compatriots: 'Dutch should be proud of that too'

The Dutch football team failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar on Friday night. Louis van Gaal's team went down against Argentina in a penalty shootout. Max Verstappen was very disappointed with the result afterwards.

The two-time world champion has excellent contact with several players in the squad. After the match, he therefore decided to send Virgil van Dijk a message. "I've texted him that he should be proud," Verstappen said in conversation with The Limburger.

It was impossible for the Dutchman to see his country in action on Friday. In fact, Verstappen had a busy schedule. On Thursday, for instance, he could be found at Red Bull Racing's factory to thank the workers, while a day later he attended the FIA Gala in Bologna to receive his award.

"I missed the goals. I was extremely disappointed that I couldn't watch. I watched the extension and the penalties. I was so nervous! Maybe even more than in Abu Dhabi last year. How can that be? In the car I am in control. In football, I'm not."

Verstappen's expectations of Argentina

Verstappen expects Argentina to walk away with the top prize just like that. "I think they lost to the upcoming world champion. And Wout (Weghorst, ed.) is really a hero. The Dutch should be proud of that too."