Holland's van der Sar hails 'group of death'

Edwin van der Sar

MANCHESTER - Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is not concerned at playing in Euro 2008's "Group of Death", instead describing the games as "fantastic".


In Sunday's draw in Lucerne, the Oranje were pooled in Group C with a Romania team that outperformed them in qualifying as well as both World Cup finalists, Italy and France.


The 37-year-old Manchester United custodian admitted that once again the Dutch had drawn the short straw, although they progressed into the knockout stage in last year's World Cup from a very tough group featuring Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro and the Ivory Coast.


Speaking from Manchester, Van der Sar said: "We are playing against three opponents that are world class, that's a fact.


"During the World Cup of 2006 our group was called the 'group of death' but I think that this group now is just a little bit harder."


But Van der Sar, who has said he will quit the national side after the tournament, added: "I do think though that we can come through it, with a little bit of help from our fans and the quality of the squad of players.


"It's clear what our task is. For a player these games are fantastic. The same goes for the Oranje fans."