Van Hanegem: "We can play so much better"

Sunday, 4 July 2010

"Had the Brazilians been a bit more accurate Holland would have been out after 45 minutes. But there's no shortage of good luck for the team of Bert van Marwijk," says Willem van Hanegem, midfielder of the famed squad of 1974. "But I'm still hoping they will play some real good football soon."

Van Hanegem, always good for some cynical remarks, says he's happy with the 2-1 victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals. "But as a lover of the game I wasn't offered very much. We can play so much better."

"When those guys make it 2-0 or 3-0 in the first half, there's nothing we can say about that. But we have been very fortunate so far."

Van Hanegem said he was amazed by the exaggerated behavior of the Brazilians. "Why did they that do that? Maicon, Robinho and that coach as well? Because of that mad behavior I am even more content that Brazil are out."

"It's nonsense to say that beautiful football and good results can not be combined. Spain are proving that it is possible. I hope Spain will reach the final, of course with Holland as their opponents. I know they are tough, but it might be a great final."

"It's a petty that Nigel de Jong can't play in the semis. As a lover of the game I would like to see Rafael van der Vaart or Afellay replace him. But that will not happen so soon. Van Marwijk will opt for De Zeeuw and he has every right to do so. He is the manager and he is a winning manager. But I hope he will not hold it against me that I would like see better football."