Van Dijk and Gravenberch Deliver Liverpool‑First World Cup Goal Assist Since 1966

Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch gave Liverpool a historic World Cup moment on 27 June 2024 in Dallas, as van Dijk headed the opening goal against Japan after a Gravenberch assist, marking only the second World Cup goal ever assisted by a Liverpool player since 1966. Van Dijk captained the Netherlands and opened the scoring six minutes into the second half, heading Gravenberch’s cross past the post. The Dutch defender’s header gave the team a 1‑0 lead. The assist made it only the second World Cup goal ever assisted by a Liverpool player, the first being Ian Callaghan’s pass to Roger Hunt in England’s 1966 match against France. That earlier occurrence linked Liverpool to a World Cup goal six decades earlier. Japan responded quickly, with Keito Nakamura equalising shortly after the restart, exposing Dutch vulnerabilities that troubled the coaching staff. The equaliser restored parity at 1‑1.

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Gravenberch later provided a decisive pass to Crysencio Summerville, whose composed low finish restored a 2‑1 advantage for the Netherlands. The goal put the Dutch ahead once more. Two minutes from full time, Daichi Kamada struck to secure a 2‑2 draw, leaving the Dutch side frustrated despite their early dominance. The late goal erased the Netherlands’ lead.

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Michael Reid of Opta highlighted the rarity of the Liverpool assist on X, noting the six‑decade gap since the 1966 occurrence. His observation underscored the significance of the moment. The Netherlands’ next World Cup encounter is scheduled for Saturday, 20 June, against Sweden in Houston, a match Liverpool fans will monitor closely. Supporters will watch to see if the duo can add to the club’s history.