Van Marwijk: Dutch stars failed to shine

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk admitted his big names had failed to deliver as the humiliated Dutch departed Euro 2012.

A 2-1 defeat by Portugal last night ensured the World Cup finalists – one of the pre-tournament favourites – finished bottom of Pool B without a single point.

Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as their chief tormentor, firing two goals after Rafael van der Vaart had given Holland an early lead.

“We played well to make it 1-0, but we made an individual error and Portugal got back into the game. That caused uncertainty in the team,” said Van Marwijk.

“The players who usually make a difference for us didn’t reach that level. We’re disappointed, it wasn’t a good game.

“Things can change very fast – Ronaldo took a lot of criticism after the first two games here but tonight he was decisive.”

Portugal coach Paulo Bento refused to focus on a stunning performance by Ronaldo that secured a quarter-final against the Czech Republic.

Ronaldo was criticised for his displays in the opening two games at Euro 2012, but despite having overwhelmed the Dutch, Bento was reluctant to shower him with praise.

“The individual effort of players is not important,” Bento said.

“The issue of the effort players show for their clubs and country we have already talked about so much. We have discussed that enough.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done as a team and satisfied that we achieved our aim brilliantly.

“We have a certain kind of style, identity and ideas. The players put that into practice.

“In this game we can talk about brilliance, it was the best game we have played here.

“We have been loyal to our spirit and that’s what we’re proud of.”

Portugal trailed to a fine 11th-minute strike from Van de Vaart, but thereafter they dominated an attacking Dutch side that was over-run in midfield.

“We don’t claim to be favourites against the Czech Republic and it won’t be easy against them,” said Bento.