“I have nothing to prove,” said Advocaat. “This is not my first tournament, I have been in a World Cup and other competitions.”

Advocaat overcame an important hurdle with the critical victory against Sweden in the quarter-final as Holland finally won a penalty shoot-out, having failed to do so in their previous three continental tournaments.

But Advocaat, who is reluctant to take full responsibility when his team underperform, is equally uncomfortable when receiving praise.

“It is the whole team who have been working hard for the past two years and I am just a part of it,” he said.

Holland are hoping that history repeats itself when his team meet Portugal in Lisbon tonight, with a place in the final up for grabs.

The host nation has exited the European Championships at the semi-final stage in four consecutive tournaments and Advocaat hopes Portugal will become the fifth.

“In the last tournaments that has been the pattern,” said Advocaat. “This can be a disadvantage for Portugal.”

England, Sweden and Germany were all knocked out in the semi-final stages when they hosted the tournament. Holland themselves lost to Italy in the last four at Euro 2000.

“I have the same concerns as the Portuguese coach,” admitted Advocaat. “Both teams are desperate to progress to the final and it is a great moment to show to the world how well we can play.”

Advocaat is confident his team have what it takes to make it through to the final.

“We have experience and talented players,” said Advocaat, who believes his team will have to make a good start if they aim to surprise Portugal.

“I think the team who takes control of the game will have the best chance of winning. Hopefully it will be us.”

Expectations are soaring in Holland, who captured the European title in 1988 but have won nothing since.

“It is important for a small country like Holland to reach the final,” said Advocaat. “Everyone talks about the big teams that have been eliminated but we have shown that despite being small we have enough quality.”