Marco analyses the game

“I am satisfied. Happy with the result, of course. It’s important to win, no matter how you play. So, happy with the result, satisfied with the quality. It was not an easy game but I see it also a a quality for teams to be able to hold on to a narrow score, you know. If you can’t play super football, then at least you need to be able to close a game down. I think it was a good experience for the players, and they did great. We all want to see breathtaking football, but sometimes it isn’t possible.” so stated a visibly relieved Marco van Basten after the 1-0 win over S&M.

Van Basten pointed at the heat. “The thing is, it didn’t become hot gradually. We had a terrible spring, cold and wet, and to have to adjust to this heat so quickly is tough. Every one suffered visibly after 20 minutes. I even had to wet my face with a sponge and I wasn’t even playing.”

“Anyway, I do think we pretty much controlled the game. The quick goal was a relief, it’s just a bit disappointing we dit have the ability to outplay the opponent… Technically, we had the opportunities, but we didn’t transform those in to real chances or goals. But on the other hand, I don’t think S&M was very dangerous to us.”

Three players came away with some minor “pijntjes”. Van Basten: “Mark played a good game, but he started to feel stiff when the game progressed. Probably some left-overs from his last week (where he got injured against the Ozzies and later again on the training - Jan). Joris Mathijssen got a foot on his knee, we’ll have to assess how he is. And Edwin van de Sar was suffering cramps. Now, I tell you, it can’t get any worse than this, a goalkeeper suffering muscle cramps? Maybe the whole captaincy is too heavy for him…” and with an enigmatic smile on his suntanned face, he walked away…
Robben quipped: “Aahh… van der Sar with muscle cramp, he’s getting too old!”