Destiny calls for Dutch duo
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Article summary
Phillip Cocu and Edgar Davids are desperate to extend the Netherlands' stay in Portugal in what could be their last finals tournament.
Article body
Despite having taken just one point from their first two matches, Phillip Cocu and Edgar Davids are hoping that the Netherlands' UEFA EURO 2004™ adventure does not end tonight.
Lost lead
Having let a two-goal lead slip to lose 3-2 against the Czech Republic in their second Group D game, the Dutch are ruing missed opportunities. The only way they can now progress to the last eight is to beat Latvia while hoping that Germany fail to win against the Czechs.
’We have to win’
"One thing is very clear to us, we have to win ourselves," Davids said. "But our fate is also in the hands of the Czech Republic, and that is frustrating. We have to grab this final chance with both hands. A great team like Spain has already been eliminated and the same thing can also happen to us. But it can happen to the Germans as well."
Last eight
Having already booked a quarter-final place, the Czechs will rest some key players against Germany. However, Cocu offered a positive spin when he said: "Maybe it will be an advantage as their young players and reserves will want to prove themselves."
Top players
Davids added: "It will get difficult for us if the Czechs give their top players some extra rest now that they have qualified, although it is understandable in the circumstances. Now we have to hope that their young substitutes will have the will and the power to prove themselves against the Germans."
Time running out
At 31 and 33 respectively, Davids and Cocu are facing the dread prospect that the game against Latvia may be their last appearance at a major finals tournament. "That is possible, although I haven't announced my retirement yet," said Cocu, who admitted he was "sick to the stomach" about the backpass which led to the Czechs' first goal on Saturday night.
'Last tournament'
"For some players it might be their last tournament, but there are also a lot of players for whom it is their first tournament, so they will still have chances in the future. But it will be a disappointment for all of us if we do not qualify for the next stage."
