Advocaat hopes to escape 'tricky situation'

Dick Advocaat today summed up Holland’s daunting Euro 2004 dilemma with a huge understatement: “It’s a tricky situation.”

Holland’s future in the tournament was taken out of their hands when they capitulated from 2-0 up against the Czech Republic and lost 3-2.

Victory for Germany against the Czechs means Holland are out whatever they do against Latvia in Braga.

Advocaat’s only hope is that Germany slip up and his side better their great rivals’ result and scramble into the last eight.

However, the Czechs’ qualification in just two games has complicated matters further for the Dutch – as the group winners will rest several star players.

“I don’t know what the Czechs’ starting XI will be,” Advocaat said.

“But we can’t complain if they lose their game. They have won twice and it’s up to them whether or not they play for a win. I’ve heard they’re resting players. It’s a tricky situation.”

Advocaat also insisted his players are still behind him – despite his own position coming under scrutiny following his decision to haul off the impressive Arjen Robben and replace him with the defensively-minded Paul Bosvelt when leading 2-0 against the Czechs.

The tactical switch backfired spectacularly – but Advocaat says his men are behind him.

“I still think there is co-operation between me and my players,” he said.

“The substitution was a mistake. I still think it was the right decision to take off a midfielder – but I should have taken off van der Meyde.”

Former Rangers manager Advocaat was given the dreaded vote of confidence by Holland’s Football Association (the KNVB) after the defeat by the Czechs.

Discussions on his future are now understood to be lined up after the tournament.

“We’ll see what happens. The Latvia game could be my last,” Advocaat said.

“That’s possible – but it’s also possible that I’ll continue. I still enjoy working with my players.”

Defender Wilfred Bouma is out of the Latvia clash with an Achilles injury with Frank de Boer likely to start in his place.

Also out of the fixture is Johnny Heitinga, sent off in their last match.