Dutch wary of on-song Swedes
Holland are convinced Dutch flair can overcome Swedish efficiency when they meet in tomorrow’s Euro 2004 quarter-final in the Algarve.
Sweden are renown for their work-rate, discipline and determination - qualities they showed in all three of their group games.
But the Dutch have persevered in these European Championships and, fresh from picking up their first win of the tournament against Latvia, they are extremely optimistic going into the game.
Dutch midfielder Phillip Cocu said: “Sweden are a tough rival, they are very organised and their players are mentally very strong.”
That mental strength was on display in each of Sweden’s draws against Italy and Denmark when they scored late equalisers.
Sweden’s attacking trio have enjoyed ideal starts in Portugal, with Henrik Larsson, who has come out of international retirement to play in this tournament, scoring three goals so far, while Ajax’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic with two strikes and Arsenal star Fredrik Ljungberg (one), have proved to be a handful for defenders.
Cocu commented: “We will have to be particularly aware of Sweden’s forwards.
“Larsson, Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg are very fast players, who have great quality and we cannot allow to give them any chances.
“We have to play very well in order to progress.”
Cocu is an experienced campaigner for Holland but they also have several players who are competing in their first big tournament like Arjen Robben, who recently signed for Chelsea.
The lightning-quick Dutch winger is too well aware of Sweden’s strengths.
“The Swedes have a very structured side as they have shown in their past games,” he said.
Holland’s optimism is at an all-time high after achieving their first win by crushing Latvia 3-0, a result which allowed them to reach the last eight.
After the shaky start which saw Dick Advocaat’s men draw against Germany in their opener and throw away a 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic, calmness has finally returned to the Dutch camp.
“We are confident that we can get a possible result on Saturday,” Robben said.
Equally optimistic is Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who can move into an outright lead as the tournament’s top scorer now that England’s Wayne Rooney has exited.
“On a good day we can beat anyone,” said van Nistelrooy who has recovered from a slight groin problem and will be included in the starting line-up against Sweden, much to the relief of the enthusiastic Oranje fans.
