Holland v France preview

Dutch look to secure passage from 'group of death'

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 13th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Holland v France preview

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Holland coach Marco van Basten is trying to calm expectations as his side prepare to face France in their second Group C match on Friday.

But the Euro 88 winner knows that victory over Les Bleus in Berne would see his side qualify from the 'group of death' with a game to spare and send expectations soaring amongst the Oranje faithful after the 3-0 demolition of Italy.

The Dutch were in irresistible form as they dispatched of the World Cup winners and now face the beaten World Cup finalists as they aim to show that performance was no flash-in-the-pan.

"We played well against Italy but you don't win the tournament after one match," said Van Basten, who is aiming to become the first man to win the European Championship as a player and a coach.

Another stern test

"We have only played one game and to keep up that level will not be easy. This next game is also very difficult.

"Instead of already thinking about the quarter-finals, we must get our feet back on the ground and start all over again against France, who are a very strong, experienced team."

France showed little sign of that in their opening game as they failed to break down Romania's resistance and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in Zurich.

Raymond Domenech's men will not want to go into their final group game needing to clinch three points against Italy and they will be boosted by the return of Thierry Henry against Holland after he missed the Romania game due to a thigh strain.

After leaving Arsenal for Barcelona last summer, Henry has struggled to reproduce the form that made him one of the game's most-feared strikers, but France full-back Willy Sagnol is confident he remains a major threat.

Point to prove

"He has had a hard season for Barca, but we all know Thierry Henry is the best French goalscorer ever," said the Bayern Munich man.

"He is still very important to us and even if in Barcelona he had a hard time, he is very motivated.

"I am sure he will want to show not just the French but also the Spanish people that he is still one of the best players in the world."

Holland have the luxury of having Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben available again after a groin injury but Van Basten is likely to name an unchanged line-up.