Dumfries rescues Netherlands after Van Dijk red
Denzel Dumfries's late equaliser maintained Netherlands's unbeaten start to its UEFA Nations League campaign as it rescued a 1-1 draw with Hungary despite Virgil van Dijk's red card.
The Oranje was staring at a first defeat in Group A3 when Roland Sallai smashed Zsolt Nagy's cross home at the back post to cap a rapid break midway through the first half.
Sallai had earlier struck the post as Hungary started impressively, while Denes Dibusz was called into action by Cody Gakpo at the other end shortly before half-time.
The visitors' position was made even more tenuous with 11 minutes remaining, as Liverpool captain Van Dijk received two yellow cards in three minutes, the second for a tactical foul to prevent a Hungary counter.
But Ronald Koeman's side made light of its numerical disadvantage to draw level four minutes later, Dumfries appearing unmarked to head Gakpo's free-kick delivery home.
Neither side was able to find a winner late on, with the result keeping Netherlands second in the table with five points, two behind leader Germany and three clear of Hungary.
Ronald Koeman was left perplexed by van Dijk's "frustrating" red card.
Van Dijk, making his 77th appearance for his country, received the first dismissal of his international career with two yellow cards in the space of three minutes in the second half.
The first booking stemmed from his protests to referee Lukas Fahndric after a foul on Donyell Malen, before committing a foul soon after to receive his marching orders.
Speaking after the game, Koeman said: "That moment was frustrating. I don't understand it. I think we agreed that a captain can protest to a referee.
"That foul [on Malen] was good for a red card. There was no intention at all to play the ball. That Virgil then takes that second card is not convenient. He knows that himself."
The Liverpool captain had enjoyed a solid game up until his dismissal, completing more passes (145) than any other player, 99 of which came in the first 45 minutes, only adding to his frustration in his assessment at full-time.
"[The red card] is a bummer. It should not have happened. But I'm especially angry about the first," Van Dijk said.
"They say the captain is the only one who can talk to the referee. I walk up to him. Up tempo, but not in a nasty way, not at all. Very respectful.
"Because I felt it was a breakaway player, he did not go for the ball at all. If even the captain can not say anything ... then it gets difficult."