Referee Disallowed Van Dijk Goal in Germany Match
A VAR review overturned a goal by Virgil van Dijk after officials ruled Brian Brobbey impeded the goalkeeper.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Soccer
Germany entered halftime with a 1-0 lead against the Netherlands after referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández disallowed a 12th-minute goal by Virgil van Dijk. The decision followed a lengthy VAR review that determined Brian Brobbey had impeded Germany goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen.
Why it matters
The overturned goal significantly altered the early momentum of the match, denying the Netherlands an equalizer and maintaining Germany's narrow halftime advantage.
Virgil van Dijk headed a goal into the net during the 12th minute before a VAR review ruled the play invalid. The match reached halftime with Germany holding a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands.
The players
Alejandro Hernández Hernández
He is the professional referee who officiated the match and conducted the VAR review.
Virgil van Dijk
He is a central defender for the Netherlands who had his goal ruled out.
Brian Brobbey
He is a forward for the Netherlands who was cited for impeding the opposing goalkeeper.
Marc ter Stegen
He is the goalkeeper for Germany who was involved in the collision with Brian Brobbey.
The details
The controversy centered on a play in the six-yard box where officials ruled that Brian Brobbey physically interfered with Marc ter Stegen. This prolonged VAR check resulted in the officiating team nullifying the goal, preventing the Netherlands from leveling the score.
Timeline
12th minute: Virgil van Dijk scored a goal that was subsequently disallowed.
September 24, 2026: The match between the Netherlands and Germany took place.
The Big Picture
This match follows the operational standards set by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol. The decision to disallow the goal follows the established operational protocol for VAR reviews regarding player interference.
The disallowed goal means the Netherlands must overcome a deficit in the second half to secure a result. For tactical purposes, the decision reinforces the strict enforcement of goalkeeper protection rules within the six-yard box.
The takeaway
Disallowed goals often hinge on technical interpretations of player positioning during set pieces. Spectators should anticipate continued scrutiny of contact in the goal area as officials strictly apply current VAR guidelines.
Further reading
For more on officiating trends in international matches, visit the Soccer section.
