Vogts plays down Dutch troubles

Scotland manager Berti Vogts has played down suggestions that Holland are in disarray ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2004 play-off second leg in Amsterdam.

Holland have a history of under-achieving on the big stage and are facing the prospect of failing to reach Euro 2004 after losing the first leg of the play-off 1-0 at Hampden Park.

Their preparations have not been helped by an ongoing debate within the squad over boss Dick Advocaat’s team selection following his bust-up with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Today rumours suggest under-pressure manager Advocaat is set to make wholesale changes to the side that lost on Saturday.

Reports have surfaced claiming some Dutch players were seen out partying when they arrived back in Amsterdam on Saturday night but Vogts was quick to shrug those off, especially after allowing his squad to celebrate their win.

He said: “Sometimes it is good for the boys. It is good for the team spirit. It is up to the players. They are not a youth team. They are professionals and it was Saturday so there was no problem.”

Former Rangers manager Advocaat came in for criticism in Holland following the weekend defeat.

But Vogts recalled that Germany manager Rudi Voller had been in a similar position when the Scots travelled to Dortmund for a qualifier in September after the World Cup finalists had been held to a goalless draw in Iceland.

He said: “It was the same situation with Germany when they drew with Iceland. There was a lot of pressure on the German team.

“When we came to Dortmund there was a fantastic atmosphere and my players know it will be like that again. But we have nothing to lose.

“Yesterday I watched TV and there was so much discussion about the team. I couldn’t understand that. It was only a 1-0 win for Scotland, not more.”

Germany bounced back to beat Scotland 2-1, although such a scoreline tomorrow would send Vogts’ side through to the finals in Portugal.

Vogts said: “The first 30 minutes is always important, especially in international football.

“We are looking for an early goal. We have to score here – we must score. Then we will have a big, big chance and the door is wide open for Portugal. We did it in Germany.”

Vogts was upbeat about his side’s chances of upsetting one of European football’s superpowers.

He said: “All the players are feeling so good I think they can hardly wait for tomorrow. It will be a big, big day for my boys – and maybe a historic day.

“The boys did it on Saturday by playing the matches of their lives and they have to do it again tomorrow.

“It is possible and again a 2-1 win for Holland is a great result for us.

“The pressure is only on the Dutch, on the Dutch players and on Dutch football.”

Vogts must make at least one change as Christian Dailly is suspended, leaving his midfield holding role open.

Celtic’s Jackie McNamara is an obvious replacement so that would need a new right-back to be recruited.

Vogts was not short of candidates and he said: “I have a lot of options. Maybe Maurice Ross can play. Andy Webster could play – he played against Germany - or Stevie Caldwell, who has played a lot of matches in the Champions League. I am very confident.”

Dundee’s Gavin Rae is another option as a straight swap in midfield, although he has been struggling with a groin injury in recent weeks.

But Vogts added: “Gavin Rae did well in training with all the other boys. It was a good session.”