Van Nistelrooy hints at Dutch passion

Ruud van Nistelrooy has hinted at the long shadows of history that will stretch over Tuesday’s meeting between Holland and Germany in Porto.

Memories of the German occupation of the Netherlands have been revived by the 60th anniversary commemorations of D-Day.

Dutch coach Dick Advocaat – the former Rangers manager – compared the rivalry to the enmity between the two Old Firm clubs.

But van Nistelrooy went further in trying to explain the atmosphere in his homeland ahead of their opening game of Euro 2004.

The Manchester United striker did not skirt the issue when he declared: “This is not just about football history, it is about real history and what went on 60 years ago.”

He added: “It is hard to take the emotions out of this, obviously history plays a part and the emotion in Holland is high and we all know this.”

The players, however, will just be concentrating on trying to beat an old adversary on the football pitch.

Van Nistelrooy sees this as a chance be part of a Dutch side that, like its Euro 88 vintage, turns their ability and style into silverware.

“I want to be part of a Dutch team that wins something,” said Van Nistelrooy, who missed Euro 2000 through injury and failed to make the 2002 World Cup.

He added: “Only one Dutch team has won a major trophy in what has been a great history – the side which won Euro 88. We have an opportunity to do well and that is our biggest goal.”

The Old Trafford hero has won the vote from Advocaat to be Holland’s lone striker against the Germans, with Patrick Kluivert missing out.

He said: “I am feeling fine, and I can’t wait for the chance to play in a major tournament after missing two previously.

“I actually am surprised how fit I feel, particularly after a long season in England. All I can say is that I am ready to play.”

Advocaat has decided to play with one main striker and claims that van Nistelrooy is his best bet.

And, in a swipe at Kluivert, the Dutch coach added: “I picked Kluivert because he was good in practice but some players are good in practice and not in matches. Van Nistelrooy is certainly good in matches.”

Van Nistelrooy’s record of 14 goals in 33 internationals is similar in ratio to Kluivert, who has 40 goals in 79 games.

Advocaat said: “With Ruud I have a real match player, I have a lot of good strikers but I have made my decision. I now expect the other forwards to accept that.”

Van Nistelrooy said: “Everyone can see I am ready to play. I enjoy big matches. I enjoy the Champions League, I enjoy FA Cup finals. It is the atmosphere in such cup tie style games that inspires me.”

And van Nistelrooy brushed aside the constant sniping that has been aimed at Advocaat in an erratic build-up to the finals.

He said: “That will not motivate us and is not important. Our motivation is our own desire to perform, we all want to perform well in these championships that and only that is our biggest motivation.”