Ruud Demands Dutch Improvement

Ruud
By Chris O'Brien
June 18 2004

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is demanding improvements from his Dutch side as they prepare for the crucial European Championship game against the Czech Republic on Saturday. Quotes from the Czech camp show they are singling out the Manchester United forward as the Netherlands' chief threat.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is demanding more from his team-mates as Holland go into their crunch European Championship game against the Czech Republic on Saturday. The Manchester United forward netted a late equaliser for the Dutch in their opening game against the Germans, but defeat for Dick Advocaat's side against the Czechs would mean an almost certain early exit from the competition.

"We need to build on our performance against Germany which was not very good," said Van Nistelrooy.

"The Czechs are well organised and will not leave much space to be creative."

The Czech Republic are many peoples favourites to win the tournament after an exceptional qualification campaign which saw them beat the Netherlands twice. However, Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer knows what an incredible tough game his side face on the weekend, and has singled out Van Nistelrooy as the main threat from the men in orange.

"Van Nistelrooy is lethal inside the area as he showed with that strike against Germany," said the Liverpool midfielder.

"People say we are favourites as we beat them in the qualification matches, but we know they are a great side."