“How funny football can get”

Oranje won narrowly and scored a lucky goal. Still, coach and players emphasized that the victory was deserved and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“It was in a hectic and chaotic phase that we scored our goal,” concluded Van Basten. “Only goes to show how funny football can get.”

Van Basten claimed the changes in the team made a difference. “We determined that 2 matches in four days is still asking a lot of players. We changed the team mainly for physical reasons. Our start was fresh, we had at least 10 opportunities to score.”

Lucky Gio, playing a strong game in midfield, said it would’ve been a waste if Oranje would have spilled more points. He wasn’t surprised about his own role. “I discussed my abilities as a midfielder in the past with Van Basten.” Willem van Hanegem stressed this fact in his column earlier this week.

Van Basten gave the whole team a compliment but singled out newcomer Afellay (PSV Eindhoven). “He made the team stronger with his individual skills. I’m proud of him.”