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Page last updated at 12:50 GMT, Friday, 27 March 2009

Dutch unconcerned by Scots woes

By Clive Lindsay, BBC Scotland in Amsterdam

Holland are ranked the third best team in the world
The Dutch have abundance of striking talent at their disposal

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has rejected the idea of Scotland's injury problems making it easier for his side in Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

"Sometimes it is better when you play a team with players you know well," he explained ahead of the Group 9 clash.

"But we are only looking at ourselves and I have no fear."

Van Marwijk also expressed full confidence in Maarten Stekelenburg, despite the goalkeeper having lost his starting place at Ajax.

Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar rejected the invite to come out of international retirement for a second time - and Stekelenburg revealed that the events had shaken his confidence.

However, much of the action is expected to unfold at the opposite end of the park.

The Dutch are ranked the third best team in the world and van Marwijk acknowledged that their strength is in the forward areas, while suggesting that it is where where his biggest selection headache lies.

Real Madrid's Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Arsenal's Robin von Persie are hitting top form, while Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel are part of a high-flying Liverpool side.

"We have the most quality in our attacking players, so I have to make a choice," said the Dutch coach without being drawn on his likely decision.

Van Marwijk, who revealed that he enjoyed the attitude and passion shown when he visited Hampden for Celtic's recent Co-operative Insurance Cup final victory over Rangers, has been an admirer of Scottish football since he played for a Go Ahead Eagles side thrashed 6-0 by Celtic 43 years ago.

But, unlike some previous Dutch managers, he was not about to criticise the more defensive strategies currently being adopted by Scottish sides at club and international level.

"They play differently from us, but I would not call it anti-football," said van Marwijk.

"I don't think it is a problem just for Scotland.

"It is a problem all over the world as players become stronger, fitter and better organised, because it becomes more difficult to find space."

Unlike his manager, Netherlands striker van Persie admits to some disappointment that Scotland have been beset by injury.

"It's a massive game for us, if we beat them, we have 12 points and that's a massive step for qualification," he said.

"But the person inside my body tells me I always want to compare myself with the best team available."

Van Persie has first-hand knowledge of Craig Gordon, having scored twice against the Sunderland goalkeeper in the English Premier League.

But Scotland manager George Burley has instead chosen Rangers' Allan McGregor because Gordon has been unable to win back his first-team place with his club following injury.

"He is a really good keeper, but I have heard that he is not match fit because he has not been playing," said van Persie.

"He went for a massive price, £9m or something, a couple of years ago and I am told he is an amazing keeper, so that's unlucky for Scotland."

In contrast, there are no signs of any of the internal strife suffered by Dutch squads of the past.

"Most of our players have had a good couple of months with their clubs and everybody is looking sharp and fit, which is a good sign," added the Arsenal star.

"It will be a tough game. "I don't expect an open game, but I don't expect a Scotland side that just come to defend, because the players they have will want to show what they can do."

Kuyt is also expecting a stern contest and highlighted Scotland's 1-0 victory in France during the last European Championship campaign.

"We know they have a few injuries, but they have a very strong squad," said the Liverpool forward.

"We know the result against France, so they know what to do against top sides.

"We are doing well at the moment. But, if we get beat on Saturday, everything would be open again.

"If we are not 100% focused on Saturday, we will have problems."



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see also
Pick your Scotland XI
10 Nov 05 |  Internationals
Tartan Army detect Dutch uncertainty
26 Mar 09 |  Internationals
McManus ruled out of Dutch clash
26 Mar 09 |  Internationals
Midfield battle is key - Fletcher
26 Mar 09 |  Internationals
Scots need Dutch courage
25 Mar 09 |  Internationals
Advocaat plays down Scots chances
24 Mar 09 |  Internationals
I am ready to face Dutch - Hutton
23 Mar 09 |  Internationals


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