Just another game, says Advocaat

Old rivals
The northern European neighbours open their campaigns with a much-anticipated encounter at the Estádio do Dragão - their 36th meeting in all. Yet according to Advocaat, this is not the key game in a group that also includes the Czech Republic and Latvia.

'Not decisive'
"One match is not decisive, it is about the total result of the three matches. The Czech Republic and Latvia fixtures are just as important to us as this one," the coach said at a press conference this evening.

Goals at a premium
What he does expect, though, is a tight contest. "I cannot see it being a high-scoring game," Advocaat said. "We will play to win, but things change during the course of a match and if one team feel they are stronger, they will take more risks. How we play also depends on how the opposition play."

Seedorf question
The only doubt for the Netherlands is midfield player Clarence Seedorf, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury. "He trained separately today," informed the coach, "and we will decide on his availability tomorrow. I am not going to say whether he will play or not. When fit, he is one of 23 players. I will only announce my lineup an hour before the match, but the team that plays tomorrow will be good enough."

Final countdown
Advocaat added that his squad were looking forward to making their tournament bow. By the time they kick off against Germany in Porto, the 14 other finalists will have played their first matches. "The players are glad to be playing at last. After weeks of training, the game has come at the right time for everyone," he said.