Ruud ready to impress

Holland striker more settled than two years ago

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 5th June 2008

Ruud van Nistelrooy Holland Netherlands

Van Nistelrooy: Calm

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Ruud van Nistelrooy is looking to take Euro 2008 by storm after a disappointing World Cup two years ago.

Van Nistelrooy was substituted in all three of Holland's group games in 2006 before being dropped for the defeat to Portugal in the last 16.

The striker's time at Manchester United came to an end that summer and he believes his strained relationship with the Old Trafford club in the preceding months contributed to his poor performances.

Van Nistelrooy is now settled at Real Madrid and he feels he can inspire Holland to glory in Austria and Switzerland.

"I've never said I didn't want to play for the national team," he told The Sun.

"Right now I'm far calmer than two years ago and that was because at United I was going through a s**t period.

"And at that time, with a big tournament, that was something I certainly didn't need.

"Then on top of that I had a conflict with Dutch coach Marco van Basten. Now I feel a lot better and I believe in our success."

Wary

Holland take on France, Italy and Romania in Euro 2008 Group C and Van Nistelrooy accepts it will be difficult to progress to the last eight.

He is particularly wary of the World Champions, saying: "We're not consistent enough. We always start well but it's hard to keep that level for 90 minutes.

"So we have to look for some other strategy, more balance and more variety. During this championship sometimes we'll be forced to play a less adventurous game.

"We have to be careful against Italy. We attack the whole match, try everything, give everything and the Italians just sit back, waiting.

"And when all our energy is spent they strike in the 80th minute - or later."