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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup 2010 | |
Netherlands coach Bert van Warwijk has invoked the painful memories of Euro 2008 to instil in his side that they must avoid complacency as they prepare to face Uruguay in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
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Netherlands, who topped Group F and then defeated Slovakia in the second round, achieved their place in the last four thanks to a surprise 2-1 victory over Brazil in the quarter-finals and are perceived to be favourites against a Uruguay side that have defeated South Korea and Ghana in the knockout stages.
But just two years ago, and having drawn comparisons with the great Total Football side of the 1970s thanks to some stunning performances in Austria and Switzerland, Netherlands were expected to beat Russia in the quarter finals of Euro 2008, only to lose in extra-time to Guus Hiddink's side.
Van Marwijk is adamant that a similar fate cannot befall his side and has instructed his players that a complacent attitude will only result in more disappointment at a major finals.
"We've already seen a lot of Uruguay and I know some of the players, it will be a very dangerous match," Van Marwijk told FIFA.com. "I warned this on the first day two years ago - there's always the next game.
"The euphoria at home is massive at the moment and maybe it's good that we're so far away and can't witness it because we really need to focus on Uruguay and that won't be easy. They didn't reach the semi final for nothing, so we have to really focus again and not think that we're already there.
"We have witnessed it before in the past. Think about two years ago in Austria and Switzerland - we beat Italy and France and everybody already thought we would become European champions but we didn't even survive the quarter-finals because we thought that we were already there. That's what I've tried to make clear, that this has to be different. Until now, the players have shown that they've picked that up very well but this will be another important test.
"I've a lot of faith in my players and in everything - our whole organisation and the way we work. But in the end it's also the mindset at a particular moment that decides whether you win a match or not."