Ruud: We must play as a team
Ruud van Nistelrooy insists that Holland must play as a team if they hope to achieve glory at Euro 2004. The Dutch are renowned for their technical ability and have an abundance of gifted players in their squad, but the Manchester United star believes they need to combine that with teamwork to succeed. The prolific striker is set to spearhead Holland's attack in Portugal and he is delighted to be taking part in his first major finals, but he doesn't rate his team amongst the favourites to lift the coveted Henry Delauney trophy this summer. Van Nistelrooy said: "I know we can play good football. Technically and tactically we are very good but it's not only about that. We have to play as a team. "For me we are an outsider for this tournament. We have had too many problems qualifying to put us among the favourites." He added: "Because of what happened in the past I haven't been able to play in a big tournament, so to be here preparing myself like this is a great feeling." Dick Advocaat's men wrap up their preparations for the European Championships with a friendly against the Republic of Ireland at the Amsterdam Arena on Saturday before turning their focus to the opening group match against Germany on June 15.