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Friday, 11 May 2012 21:00

PortuGOAL exclusiveHesselink: “This time you’ll see two teams that want to win in the right way”

Ex Dutch international looks forward to Portugal-Holland at Euro 2012

Jan Vennegoor of HesselinkIt’s only four weeks until the first ball is kicked in anger at Euro 2012 and another fortnight thereafter before the last of Portugal’s three games in Group B. The opponents on that occasion, of course, are The Netherlands and former Oranje international striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink spoke exclusively to PortuGOAL about his thoughts on the upcoming match.

With 17 caps and three goals for the Netherlands between 2000 and 2009, Hesselink is now, at 33, in the twilight of his career. He spent last season at PSV Eindhoven, his second spell at the most famous ‘works’ club in the world – and most successful to boot – with a European Cup and a UEFA Cup on their European roll of honour.

PortuGOAL caught up with Hesselink after PSV’s 3-0 Dutch Cup Final win over Heracles Almelo at Rotterdam’s Stadion Feyenoord last month. “I don’t think we will see the same scenes at Euro 2012 that we saw the last time the teams met in competition [the infamous 2006 World Cup ‘Battle of Nuremberg’ and its attendant 16 yellow and four red cards]. This time I think you’ll see two teams that want to win – but want to win the right way.
 

“Six years is a long time in football”

“The last time was six years ago – that’s a long time in football. All of the players have already met in the Champions League and Europa League games and also in the domestic leagues in Europe as well.

“I was actually playing in that game,” said Hesselink, who replaced Philip Cocu (in a twist of fate, Cocu is currently his replacement’s boss in his current role as caretaker manager of PSV) in the 84th minute. “I think it was a one-off. I have certainly never experienced a game like that with so many yellows and reds.

“I don’t think the 2006 game will have much influence when the teams meet this summer. In terms of a prediction, I’m going to go for Holland. I’m a patriotic guy! We need to stop Ronaldo doing his thing and then I think we will be able to control the game.

“I’m probably going to go to the game with my friends, put my orange top on, have a pint of beer and enjoy myself.”

by John Hunt

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Comments (1)
I remember that game very well...
1 Tuesday, 22 May 2012 08:02
It was one of the most exciting games of that tournament. But for all the wrong reasons. We had Filipe Scholary as coach and yes, he did make mistakes but he also instilled the drive and spirit of unity that at the time was lacking in the national team. Also the only coach who took Portugal to a major final. Will we see our beloved small country in a few weeks achieve that again??!!!! I really don't know... It's a tough group. But if they manage to pass the early stages ( and I've learned throughout the years you can't write the script when it comes to major tournaments) then it wouldn't surprise me if they are proudly there in the last4 with all to play for.

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