The biggest Swedish World Cup loss since the final against Brazil in 1958 was quickly dubbed the Houston Disaster.
If it's any consolation - van Dijk doesn't really agree. Or maybe he's just being nice and polite and doesn't want to add more salt to the open blue-yellow wounds.
It wasn't an easy victory. Sure, we scored five goals, but it wasn't easy. I think Sweden was really good after the first break for fluids. They changed the playing system. "Alex" (Isak) became more of a left winger, playing between the lines. We had a bit of a problem with that. They also changed from three to four at the back.
"Very proud"
But after the break we were outstanding again. I am very proud of my team. Five great goals and a really good match.
After the final whistle, van Dijk spoke with clubmate Alexander Isak.
"It's just between him and me," he said about the content of the conversation.
What was it like meeting him?
"My opinion is that he is an outstanding player. Hopefully he stays healthy and will be very important for Liverpool next season," said van Dijk.
Disciplined Japan
The Liverpool captain was involved in many duels with Viktor Gyökeres.
It's always a real fight. He had a good season. There was a lot of talk about him at the beginning of the season, but I think he was fantastic. He works so hard and deservedly won the Premier League. Both he and Isak are strikers who stand out. They can make life difficult for defenders.
The Netherlands started by drawing 2–2 against Japan.
How do you compare Japan and Sweden?
Hard to say. Today (Saturday), Sweden pressed more than Japan did. Japan was very disciplined and kept compact against us. Sweden has a tough task ahead of them; that's for sure.
But good luck to both of them, said Virgil van Dijk.
