Topics: Virgil Van Dijk, Ovidiu Hategan, Netherlands, Germany, UEFA Nations League
And this brilliant gesture by the Dutch captain had little to do with the result.

With the final whistle coming down on the Netherlands' clash with Germany, the Dutch players were exuberant and began celebrating the result of Monday's encounter. Despite the wonderful result, Virgil Van Dijk oozed class by hugging the referee after full-time.

The center-back's action had little to do with the outcome of the game, and no, the match official was not celebrating the Oranje's progression. Instead, there was more meaning behind this gesture as the referee was suffering from the loss of a loved one.

Ovidiu Hategan had taken charge of this highly-anticipated UEFA Nations League clash despite his mother's recent passing away. Upon bringing the curtain down on the eventful tie, the emotions took over as tears could be seen in his eyes.

In response, Van Dijk gave the official a warm embrace, congratulated him on his good performance, and passed on his condolences. Speaking after the game, the Holland captain said: 

"He broke down and started crying because his mother recently passed away.

"I wished him strength and told him that he officiated well.

"It's a small thing, but I hope it helped."

The Liverpool man's brilliant gesture did not go unnoticed on social media, as many hailed the defender for his brilliant touch. However, he mostly dominated the headlines for his stoppage-time goal.

Ronald Koeman's side needed a draw at the very least to beat France to a spot in the finals. However, they were 2-0 down at half-time and appeared destined to fail. 

Then the comeback began. Quincy Promes brought one back in the 85th minute before Van Dijk equalized with only minutes remaining on the clock. That goal sent them into the finals, where they will join Portugal, England, and Switzerland in the semis.