De Boer: Route to final no concern
NETHERLANDS V CZECH REPUBLIC
FRANK de Boer is not bothered whether the Netherlands might appear to have been given an easy ride as they plot a course towards the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 when they tackle the Czech Republic in Budapest today.
The Oranje finished top of Group C, winning all three matches in Amsterdam on their return to a major international tournament for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
With the likes of Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain all in the other half of the draw, Netherlands would appear to have a favourable route towards the semi-finals, which will be held at Wembley and could see them come up against England.
De Boer, though, is focused on the here and now, rather than what might lie ahead.
“Which opponents are in form is an afterthought. We have to take care of every game,” he said. “We are now looking at the Czech Republic. We have a big problem with that.
“The route in terms of classification is favourable, but first the focus must be fully on the Czech Republic.”
De Boer added: “What would be a success for this tournament? If we get to the last four, then we have done well.
“Ultimately we want to be getting paraded down the canals [of Amsterdam] on a boat: that is the ultimate goal”
Czech captain Vladimir Darida picked up an unspecified injury during training session, so is doubtful. Coach Jaroslav Silhavy knows what a challenge his side face at the Puskas Arena.
“The Dutch have a lot of quality. We have been studying them in detail: how hungry they are for goals and their great individual skill,” Silhavy said on Euro2020.com
“They have a lot of pace, know their game and play in a simple manner: they get the ball up as fast as possible to their attackers. If they lose the ball, they instantly press and it’s very unpleasant.”
Silhavy added: “If we want to think about advancing, we have to give 100 to 150 per cent – and if a few individual performances can be replicated like in the game against Scotland, then we have a good chance.”