Dutch can go on to conquer Europe, insists Van Overbeek

GLENTORAN’S flying Dutchman Elvio van Overbeek believes the Netherlands have the firepower to go all the way and win Euro 2020.

The Netherlands missed out on Euro 2016, unlike Northern Ireland who progressed to the knockout stages in France, but the classy Dutch are expected to secure at least the draw they need at Windsor Park on Saturday to progress to the finals.

Ronald Koeman’s men sit top of Group C and survived a scare against Michael O’Neill’s side last month to keep their qualification charge on track.

The 3-1 victory in Rotterdam flattered the hosts with Luuk de Jong equalising and Memphis Depay scoring twice in the final three minutes after Josh Magennis had headed home in the 75th minute after a rare attack.

Glens winger Van Overbeek played against Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong when the 22-year-old was at Ajax.

And the 25-year-old winger fancies the Dutch to inflict more pain on Saturday night.

“Northern Ireland did well out there and can be tough opponents, but Holland are very strong,” he said. “I think they will win the Euros. I played for Netherlands Under-21s but they have too many great players for me to get near their first team.

“I think if Northern Ireland can keep it at 0-0 for 60 or 70 minutes they will have more belief but this Netherlands team is good enough to top the group and even win the tournament.

“I played for PSV against Frenkie de Jong when he was in Ajax’s second team and he was a good player then. Now he’s one of the best in Holland and I’m a big admirer of him as well as Memphis Depay.”

Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, is taking nothing for granted.

The Barcelona midfielder said: “We are in a good position. It has been a while since the Dutch team has qualified for a final tournament.

“This can be a very nice week. You feel the hunger and ambition to be present at a final tournament. We must first place ourselves. In theory it can still go wrong, but we do not assume that.”