Former Tottenham star sparks backlash after making joke about Japan players at World Cup

Rafael van der Vaart has come under fire after making a comment about Japan's players during live World Cup coverage that sparked criticism from viewers.The former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder was working as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS during the Netherlands' entertaining 2-2 draw with Japan when the remark was made.Van der Vaart was analysing Daichi Kamada's late equaliser when he attempted a joke that quickly generated a reaction online.Discussing the goal, the 43-year-old praised the quality of the corner before making a comment about Japan's players. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The perfect corner is really very difficult to defend, Van der Vaart said.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.They do look alike, of course, maybe he thought that...That's a joke, of course. I hardly dare say anything.The remark prompted criticism on social media, with some viewers expressing their displeasure at the comment during the live broadcast.It remains unclear whether the broadcaster will take any action following the incident.The controversy overshadowed what had been an entertaining Group F encounter, with Ronald Koeman's side forced to settle for a point after Japan twice fought back.Van der Vaart also used the broadcast to question the performance of Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk following the disappointing result.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Iran national anthem booed in Los Angeles before thrilling World Cup draw with New ZealandEmma Raducanu spotted kissing PR executive hours after Queen's Club final heartbreakHarry Maguire makes England retirement announcement after painful World Cup snubThe former midfielder admitted he had concerns about the Liverpool defender's movement during the match.I have to be honest, I was quite shocked by Van Dijk, he said.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 Netherlands had looked on course to begin their World Cup campaign with victory after taking the lead on two separate occasions.However, Japan refused to go away and earned a deserved draw thanks to Kamada's late intervention.The result leaves the Dutch searching for their first win of the tournament when they face Sweden in a potentially pivotal clash later this week.Sweden currently top Group F after producing one of the most impressive performances of the opening round of fixtures, thrashing Tunisia 5-1.Despite the frustration of dropping points, Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman insisted there were positives to take from the performance.It is our minimal standard, I should say, Koeman said.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. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter