Van der Sar stays grounded

Dutch keeper aware that nothing has been won yet

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th June 2008

Edwin van der Sar Holland

Van der Sar: Cautious

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Edwin van der Sar is refusing to get carried away by Holland's impressive start to Euro 2008.

The Dutch keeper has been a virtual spectator in his country's opening two games as they first breezed to a 3-0 victory over Italy, before thumping France 4-1.

Marco van Basten's side have already been installed as tournament favourites in some quarters, with their free-flowing approach perfectly suited to the players at the coach's disposal.

While the huge Dutch support which has descended on Austria and Switzerland are allowing themselves to dream of a first international trophy in 20 years, others are erring on the side of caution.

Veteran keeper Van der Sar, who has more than 120 caps to his name, has been around too long to start celebrating before the trophy is in the bag and remains focused on the ultimate aim.

Silverware

"We are only in the quarter-finals," the 37-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper warned.

"I have been going around for a long time and to be in the quarter-finals is nice, but it doesn't bring you any silverware.

"It's a great start for us - nobody expected us to come out and beat the world champions and then France.

"We will enjoy it but we still have to focus on our next game (against Romania on Tuesday). And then we still have maybe three more games to play."

Spirit

Van Basten is aiming to become the first man to taste European Championship glory as both a player and a coach, and is convinced that his squad has the potential to rewrite the history books.

"We have a good all-round team; an excellent goalkeeper, strong defenders, intelligent players in midfield and an excellent attack," said Holland's coach.

"We played excellently against Italy and to offer a performance against France four days later is a feat. This indicates there is a great team spirit."