Edwin not getting carried away

Van der Sar: Voice of experience

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Edwin van der Sar admits that Holland's encouraging start to Euro 2008 will count for nothing if they do not go on to claim glory.

The Dutch opened their European Championship finals campaign with a bang as they stunned World Cup holders Italy 3-0 in Group C.

But experienced goalkeeper Van der Sar, who landed the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with Manchester United last term, is remaining level-headed despite his nation's impressive opening.

Rather than get carried away with the display, the 37-year-old has urged his team-mates to remain focused on the task in hand as they lock horns with France on Friday.

Early days

"Our team can be very good, but, at the moment, we are still in the early stages," the shot-stopper told the Daily Star.

"It was the same with United. Two weeks before the end of the season, everyone was saying how great Manchester United were and all the press were talking about us.

"But you will have nothing in your hands to show for it. That's the same here.

"All you guys are writing things about us and of course we played well (against Italy) - but there are many games left.

"We have only had our first game and now need to maintain or improve our performances."

Sneijder

Meanwhile, midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who impressed against the Italians, is sure Marco van Basten's side have what it takes to go all the way at Austria and Switzerland.

"This is my third tournament, but never before have a seen such a good group. We have the possibility to win Euro 2008 and we feel we can do it," said Sneijder.