Hermans wants Dutch improvement

Netherlands coach Vic Hermans has promised to get his side back on track after a disappointing 4-4 draw with Azerbaijan in their opening UEFA European Futsal Championship Group D qualifier.

Restore confidence
Hermans's team twice led by two goals in the game but allowed their opponents to draw level on both occasions. He said: "I have to make sure my side get back on the rails. Today I did not see my team in action - I did not recognise them. Maybe it was the tension of playing in our home country or our complacency."

Leads surrendered
Eric de Jongh and Marciano Boumann gave the Netherlands a 2-0 advantage and, after Azerbaijan had initially restored parity, Antoine Merlino and Joey Ngarigota restored their two-goal cushion. Hermans's side could not, however, hold on. "I had hoped the goals would give the team more self-confidence but that did not happen. We gave it away again after that," said the coach. The Dutch now face Finland on Friday then Serbia on Sunday as they look to qualify for the tournament they graced in 2005.