By Paul Fletcher Our man in Portugal

Holland 3-0 Latvia Match photos

Germany's defeat to an under-strength Czech Republic and Holland's win over Latvia saw the Dutch go through.

And Van der Sar jokingly described it as: "The return of the living dead."

He told BBC Sport: "We had not packed our suitcases but the chance (of elimination) was there because it was not in our hands."

The Fulham keeper said the Dutch team had been confident the Czech Republic, who beat Holland in 3-2 in a thrilling match on Saturday, would overcome Germany.

He said: "Of course the most important thing was to win our game.

"And we knew that if we played like we did against the Czech Republic we would not lose this game.

"We needed some help from the Czech Republic and we knew some players did not play for them but beforehand we always had a good feeling about it."

I think we are starting to play better and that is a good thing Edwin van der Sar

With Holland now through to a quarter-final match against Sweden, Van der Sar is confident his team can fulfil their dream of winning Euro 2004.

"We're back on our feet now and three games to go - every match is a final," he said.

"I think we are starting to play better and that is a good thing.

"Sweden is a good team with good strikers, a strong midfield. Hopefully it will be a nice match like it was against the Czechs but with a different result."

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice and substitute Roy Makaay added the third as Holland beat Latvia 3-0.

Winger Boudewijn Zenden said the Holland players felt their qualification signalled a change of fortune.

"It has been a great day for us," he said. "Normally you see that the Germans have all the luck.

"Maybe you noticed the Dutch press wasn't very positive about us.

"And the fans were already seeing a vision of us going home so that is why I'm really pleased because we gave them some joy and have got the press and supporters back on our side."

And Zenden felt the Czech Republic side were determined to beat Germany.

Advocaat expresses relief

"There are a couple of the Czechs who play for Ajax and they spoke of their motivation to win," he added.

"I'd heard they had lost a couple of games to Germany so they were eager to do a job."

But Zenden was coy over whether he would be playing for Middlesbrough next season.

"I plan to discuss all those matters after Euro 2004," he said. "For now it is important to focus on the national team."