De Zerbi will cringe at what happened to 'unyielding' Van Hecke in painful Netherlands World Cup exit

Jan Paul van Hecke's World Cup dream is over after Netherlands were defeated in a penalty shoot-out by Morocco.

The new Tottenham Hotspur signing was in action as Ronald Koeman's side crashed out in the last 32 in Monterrey.

Cody Gakpo's 72nd-minute effort appeared enough for Netherlands to make it into the last 16.

But Issa Diop levelled things up in the first minute of injury time, which forced extra time and consequently penalties.

Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all failed from 12 yards, as Morocco progressed with a 3-2 shoot-out victory.

But it was a brutal evening in more ways than one for Van Hecke, who will now set his focus on his new surroundings at Hotspur Way.

What did the Dutch media say about Van Hecke's performance?

There was more than one moment that would have left Roberto De Zerbi cringing watching Van Hecke against Morocco.

Spurs have shelled out a reported £52million to sign Van Hecke from Brighton, where he worked with De Zerbi.

And there would have been a couple of injury concerns that occurred in the first half in Mexico.

Van Hecke first of all took an elbow in the face from Azzedine Ounahi, albeit unintentionally.

Later on, he took a stray boot to the head from Ismael Saibari, leaving him bloodied and requring treatment.

Reacting to Van Hecke's performance, Voetbal Primeur scored him an 8/10 and wrote: "They just had to get him... First a boot from Saibari, then an elbow from Ounahi, and subsequently the studs from Mazraoui."

"He finished the match with a red, bloodied quiff. It only adds more cachet to his unyielding performance."

Voetbal International scored Van Hecke a 7/10, stating the centre-back, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, and Summerville were worthy of particular praise despite the defeat.

How did Van Hecke perform for Netherlands?

A few eyebrows were raised about the price Spurs paid to prise Van Hecke from Brighton.

But he has enjoyed a really solid tournament, and is unfortunate to be coming home so early in the knockout stages.

Van Hecke was brave throughout, and defensively he impressed, making a successful tackle, completing two interceptions, and finishing with two clearances.

He also made three recoveries, won four of seven ground duels, and 5/6 aerial duells in a commanding performance.

Van Hecke made a contribution going forward, too. He had 78 touches in total, completed 56 of 66 attempted passes, made 12 passes into the final third, and created once chance for a team-mate.