All about the points for Van Basten

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has brushed off criticism of his team's playing style and has insisted that points are what matter, ahead of the Oranje's crucial Group G showdown with Romania in Constanta on Saturday.

Criticism
With the group's two unbeaten sides sharing top spot on 20 points after eight matches, Van Basten sees no reason to change a winning formula with UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification within reach. "Obviously our goal is to play attractive football and to get a good result, but in modern football it is all about three points," said Van Basten, who was criticised despite recording narrow victories against Bulgaria and Albania last month. "Despite all the criticism in the media, those games still delivered six points."

Attacking intent
The Dutch, who drew 0-0 with Romania in Rotterdam in March, have scored just eleven goals in qualifying so far, but Van Basten does not believe that tells the whole story. Only the Czech Republic have had more attempts on goal than the Netherlands' 60 shots on target and 50 off. "We chose a playing style that accommodates our best players," Van Basten said. "In our side there are always four or five lads in the attacking area. That's something that should suit every football lover. But when some of Wesley Sneijder's shots are kept out by fantastic saves, then the analysis is not about that, but only about the few counters and chances that our opponents created."

Trio missing
With Mario Melchiot, Robin van Persie and Sneijder suspended, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar having succumbed to a toe injury, Van Basten is in no mood to divulge his starting XI for such an important fixture. "The key thing is that we perform well," he said. "Which players? We will have to wait and see." Clarence Seedorf returned to training on Wednesday after missing out on Tuesday through illness. He trained alone as did Kew Jaliens, Hedwiges Maduro and Wilfred Bouma.