Kluivert in illustrious company

Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert is hoping to follow in Marco van Basten's footsteps in Tuesday's Group D opener against Germany.

Top scorer
The forward, who is his country's all-time leading scorer with 40 goals in 79 matches, is a likely substitute for the match at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto. Ruud van Nistelrooij is set to spearhead the Dutch attack, possibly with Rafael van der Vaart and Andy van der Meyde in support.

Happy memories
Kluivert can take comfort from the fact that Van Basten started the 1988 UEFA European Championship as a substitute, when the Netherlands lost their opening game 1-0 to Russia, but went on to score five goals including an outstanding strike in the final. "My relatives have been trying to cheer me up by reminding me about this," he said. "This will give me extra motivation, not that I ever need motivating."

'Good shape'
In many ways, the 28-year-old is just happy to be back playing after a knee injury overshadowed his club season with FC Barcelona. "I am in good shape," he said. "The season until now was a disappointment because I had never had a long-term injury before; it was very hard to deal with. I just have to keep on doing my best to become first choice in the team."

Midfield battle
Despite Kluivert's fears, however, Advocaat said he has still not finalised his starting lineup, particularly with regard to the left-wing and right-back positions. "It will certainly be a game where it will be very busy in the midfield," said the coach.