Van Basten delight at win

Coach hails Italian triumph

Last updated: 10th June 2008

Van Basten delight at win

Van Basten: Delight

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Holland coach Marco van Basten was understandably delighted after seeing his side record a 3-0 win over Italy in their opening Euro 2008 clash.

The Dutch proved far too strong for the world champions in Berne, as goals form Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder and Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave them victory.

Van Basten admits Holland could not have dreamed of a better start to life in Group C - which was labelled the 'Group of Death' before the tournament began but with Romania and France drawing - the Dutch are now clear at the top of the table and know victory in their next game will guarantee their place in the last eight.

"This is a dream start," Van Basten said.

"To win 3-0 against Italy, a team with so much experience and quality in their team, we didn't expect that.

"It was a truly good team performance from the whole team.

"The first game is always a big match, and the whole team gave a performance and then to win 3-0, it is a fantastic, historical performance."