Rafael van der Vaart doubles down on Spain criticism and claims HE was the source of the 5-0 win over Slovakia: ‘It looks like my words worked as motivation’
Former Holland star turned pundit Rafael van der Vaart could not resist having a cheeky dig at Spain following their 5-0 victory over Slovakia.
Luis Enrique’s side hammered their opponents to book a place in the knockout round of Euro 2020, and now Van der Vaart has taken credit for the victory following his own harsh words on the team’s performances.
Speaking as a guest pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS throughout the tournament, Van der Vaart had pulled no punches when he labeled Spain ‘horrible’ and added that they ‘only switch from one side to the other’ following two opening draws with Sweden and Poland.
Rafael van der Vaart has been giving his verdicts on sports broadcaster NOS and chose to hammer Spain for their two opening draws at Euro 2020, against Poland and Sweden
The former Real Madrid and Tottenham man had also insisted he was hopeful that Holland would draw Spain in the next round as a result, which caused fury in the national camp of La Roja.
Both Pablo Sarabia and Koke snapped back at Van der Vaart during public press conferences, saying the once Holland captain was ‘talking s***’ while reminding him of his own failures to stop Spain winning the World Cup in 2010.
Both Koke (left) and Pablo Sarabia took exception at hit back at the former Holland midfielder
Now, after Spain clicked into gear against Slovakia and put in a jaw-dropping performance, Van der Vaart has made another tongue-in-cheek comment which is sure to provoke more fury.
The 38-year-old wrote on Twitter: ‘Looks like my words worked as motivation for Spain. Good game tonight, congrats on reaching the qualifiers.’
Van der Vaart was also sure to tag the official Spain football account into his tweet, in order for the players themselves to see it.
Spain now face Croatia in the round of 16, as they bid to progress to the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, Van der Vaart’s Holland will line up against the Czech Republic, who finished third in England’s Group D.
After blitzing Slovakia, Spain now progress to the last 16 where they will face Croatia