05 July 2009
Realmadrid.com
Netherlands are in great form and morale is sky high heading into their Euro debut on 9 June against Italy. Large part of their success can be attributed to the three Madridistas on the squad, one of whom, Ruud van Nistelrooy, sat down with sports daily AS to discuss the competition.
Do you have faith in this Netherlands squad?
It's a strong group with Italy, France, and Romania. We are only thinking about these first three matches. Then we'll see what happens.
Do you aspire to finish as the Euro's top scorer?
Let's see what happens. It's great for forwards that Holland has so much offensive fire power.
Speaking of forwards, who will be the best scorers in the future?
Huntelaar, Fernando Torres, and Benzema.
How did the squad welcome the three Madridistas?
Phenomenal, and we all scored in the pre-Euro friendlies. We're in great physical form and morale is high having taken care of business and gotten all the celebrating out of our system. There's a very special atmosphere here in Holland too.
Do your squad mates hope to avoid Spain?
We don't have a group, but rather finals or semifinals. That's why we have to play our best football. We're out if we don't. We're calm when it comes time to talk about the second phase. There's still a long way to go.
What are your thoughts on the Spanish national team?
They're a great team, but they have the same problem as Holland. Expectations are always high before the Euro and they've won it very few times. Spain are like us. They want to change things around.
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