'You should be utterly ashamed' - Netherlands torn apart by ex-Real Madrid & Tottenham star after narrow escape against Lithuania

Former Netherlands international Van der Vaart has launched a scathing attack on the national team following their nervy 3-2 World Cup qualifying win in Lithuania. Speaking on NOS, the ex-Tottenham and Real Madrid star insisted the players "should be ashamed of themselves" for their complacent performance, which saw them throw away a 2-0 lead before half-time.

The severe criticism from a respected former player highlights the growing unease surrounding the Dutch team's performances under Ronald Koeman. Despite securing a vital three points to remain top of Group G, the manner of the victory exposed a mental fragility and "nonchalance," according to Van der Vaart. His public condemnation, particularly of midfielder Jerdy Schouten, intensifies the pressure on a squad that was also held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Poland just days earlier.

Despite the team's poor performance, Depay's double in the match took his international tally to 52 goals, officially making him the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer by surpassing Robin van Persie's previous record of 50.

The former Ajax star said: "First of all, you should be utterly ashamed. Of course, you want to get off to a good start in a game, and that's what they managed. And then you let it slip away. That says something about the nonchalance that everyone seems to possess.

"Schouten does nothing at all. Everyone thinks: it'll be fine, it'll be fine, and no one intervenes. And that's almost like refusing to do your job." 

He called it "a miracle" that Schouten was allowed to play on, adding: "I'm actually a fan of his, but today was dramatic."

While Netherlands are in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup, the pressure is mounting on Koeman and his players to deliver a more convincing and professional performance. Another lacklustre display will only amplify the scrutiny from pundits and fans alike.