TOTTENHAM legend Rafael van der Vaart has come under fire after making an offensive remark about Japan’s players while working as a TV pundit during the World Cup.
The former Holland international appeared to be attempting a joke during live coverage of the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan, but instead sparked criticism with a comment suggesting the Japanese players “look alike”.
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Rafael van der Vaart is in hot water after his comments about Japanese players “looking alike” Credit: Getty
Japan gave a good account of themselves and deserved their point against a disappointing Netherlands side Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Van der Vaart, 43, was on punditry duty for Dutch broadcaster NOS as Ronald Koeman‘s side were held in an entertaining Group F clash on Jattvibeday.
The former Spurs and Real Madrid midfielder was analysing Daichi Kamada‘s late equaliser when he made the controversial remark.
Watching a replay of the goal, he said: “The perfect corner is really very difficult to defend.
“This one came with the right speed, just over the five-yard line. With a bit of luck it would have gone in, but the corner was amazing.
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“They [the Japanese players] do look alike, of course, maybe he [Micky van de Ven] thought that…
“That’s a joke, of course. I hardly dare say anything.”
The comment immediately raised eyebrows, with viewers taking to social media to criticise the former midfielder.
It remains unclear whether Van der Vaart will face any punishment from the broadcaster over the incident.
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Virgil van Dijk scored in the game but came under criticism from van der Vaart for his performance too Credit: Reuters
The Dutchman was not finished there either.
During the same broadcast he aimed a dig at Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, questioning the Liverpool defender’s mobility after Japan fought back twice to earn a point.
Van der Vaart said: “I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk.
“With him, I thought, that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning.
“It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning.
“I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.”
The result leaves the Netherlands searching for their first victory of the tournament when they take on Sweden this weekend.
Sweden made a flying start to their World Cup campaign, thrashing Tunisia 5-1 to throw Group F wide open.
Despite dropping points in their opener, Dutch boss Ronald Koeman insisted there were still plenty of positives to take from the performance.
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New World Cup 2026 rules
FIFA confirmed several new rules coming into play for the World Cup 2026.
They are:
Outfield players cannot go to technical areas while goalkeeper getting treatment
Five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins
Ten-second substitutions – or else one-minute sub entry delay
One minute off field after outfield players get treatment
Three-minute hydration breaks in each half
VAR can intervene over fouls before ball in play for goals, penalties and disciplinary sanctions
VAR can correct wrongly-awarded yellow cards and corners
Red cards for covering mouth in confrontational talk
Red cards for walking off pitch in protest
He said: “It is our minimal standard, I should say. We need to grow during the tournament.
“We need to perform better. Of course, we would have preferred to win the first game and we were expecting it because we went ahead twice.
“It didn’t happen but it doesn’t mean that we now think that our performance was not good enough.
“I think there were quite a lot of positive moments during the game so the only way is up.”
Koeman also warned against underestimating Japan after their impressive display.
He added: “I am disappointed that we didn’t win, but that’s because we were ahead twice.
“Many people underestimate Japan, but for the 100,000th time, if you underestimate them, that’s your problem.
“You think that Japan’s strength was exaggerated before the match? Let’s wait until the end of the World Cup to see who’s right.”
