Van Basten content about Dutch display

Saturday, 24 May 2008

Dutch bondscoach Marco van Basten was quite content about the way his team played in tonight's friendly against Ukraine.

"I think we played very well in certain parts of the game. Yet we must take into account that we had an opponent that is not preparing for a big tournament. We could have played a bit more aggressive as well”, Van Basten stated.

The Dutch master remained silent about which players will be sent home today. As late as Wednesday Van Basten will have to hand in his list of 20 field players and three goal keepers to UEFA.

This means three players and one goal keeper of the current squad of 27 might get a phone call today.

It seems almost certain that Feyenoord midfielder Denny Landzaat is one of them, as is goal keeper Sander Boschker.

Other candidates are Nigel de Jong, Joris Matthijssen and Khalid Boulahrouz.

The latter came on as a substitute yesterday; his first appearance after months of injuries. "As he did in training he left a good impression," Van Basten added.

"Engelaar also played well tonight and we only can be satisfied about his performance. His positional play was good and he is closing in to become a starter," Van Basten said.