Progress pleases Advocaat

Coach satisfied
Speaking ahead of tonight's quarter-final against Sweden, the coach said: "The progress started from the second half against Germany and continued against the Czechs, although defensive mistakes cost us a victory, and Latvia. I'm satisfied with the way we're playing and hope we can play two more games in the tournament."

Biggest nation
Following France's elimination last night, the Netherlands, with a population of 16 million, are the biggest nation left in the competition and, along with Denmark, the only former winners. The Dutch also lead the Fair Play ranking, having been shown three yellow cards and one red. Attractive play, behaviour of fans and respect for opponents and officials are also taken into account. "I don't just want the Fair Play cup," joked Advocaat. "I want the other one!"

'Natural-born scorer'
If the Netherlands are to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy on 4 July, Ruud van Nistelrooij will have to continue a scoring streak which has seen him register four times in three matches. "Ruud is a natural-born goalscorer," said Advocaat, who warned against complacency today. "Sweden will also think they can win. Once you get this far in the tournament everyone wants to make it to the final."

'Final weapon'
Advocaat will again use Marc Overmars as a substitute in Faro-Loulé. "He's very fast but when I start with him, I have no one better to bring on. When I start with Andy van der Meyde I have the speed of Overmars to use a final weapon late on." Portugal await tonight's winners in the semi-finals.