Dutch FA director Bert van Oostveen insists that Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk's job will not be at risk if they go out of Euro 2012 early.
'No consequences' to early Euro 2012 exit
Dutch FA director Bert van Oostveen insists that Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk's job will not be at risk if they go out of Euro 2012 at the group stage.
After a surprise opening game defeat to Denmark on Saturday, the Dutch know another reverse at the hands of Germany on Wednesday will mean they will be unable to qualify from Group B.
That would represent a major blow to the 2010 World Cup finalists, who began the tournament as one of the favourites for the whole competition.
Former Feyenoord coach Van Marwijk, who replaced Marco van Basten in 2008, only signed a contract extension last year taking him through to 2016.
Van Oostveen has reassured the 60-year-old that the Dutch FA will honour that agreement, even if Oranje do make a surprise early exit from Poland and the Ukraine.
"Our goal is, as ever, to reach the semi-final but that goal was named in 2005," he told
Metro.
"That is our ambition and fits our fourth place on the FIFA rankings and the fact that we are almost always present during finals.
Consequences
"If we go out earlier there are no consequences. Both sides signed a deal with a healthy mind. The extension is based on our long-term policy.
"We want our team to play recognisable football with our own identity and style.
"And if you see our results under Van Marwijk, our opponents are still looking for the solution to beat us. But you can always lose a match."
Meanwhile, Van Marwijk was in bullish mood when it came to reports of unrest in the Holland camp ahead of the Germany game.
Vice-captain Rafael van der Vaart and striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have both publicly expressed their frustration at not being named in the starting XI for the Denmark game last weekend.
Such murmurings of discontent will be painfully familiar for Holland fans, who have seen their side suffer from rifts and ego clashes at previous major tournaments.
Van Marwijk admitted there was "tension" after the defeat to the Danes, but denies there are rifts among his squad.
"I don't want to talk about this type of question," he said, when quizzed about comments from disgruntled players.
Irritating
"Everyone is talking about van Persie and Huntelaar - it makes you want to laugh, though of course it is somewhat irritating.
"I can assure you the atmosphere is excellent, despite the tension [following the Denmark game].
"When you lose there are always questions asked in the media. But it's nothing serious, [tension] is normal after a defeat."
Switching his attentions to the Germany game, Van Marwijk added: "I am expecting a very difficult match. The Germans are very strong. But we can beat them.
"How? I shan't tell you that."
