Fuente : FIFA World Cup 2006
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/

WORLD CUP 2006: Makaay sees Czechs as threat to finals dream

/noticias.info/ It was in 1974 that the Netherlands, then odds-on favourites, lost to West Germany in the FIFA World Cup final in Munich's Olympic stadium. Now, three decades later, with Germany preparing to host the finals again, Marco van Basten’s team would like nothing better than to take revenge for their predecessors’ bitter disappointment.

With this in mind, FIFAworldcup.com spoke to a man who knows everything about the mentalities of the two countries, Roy Makaay the Dutch striker who plays for German giants Bayern Munich. The 30-year-old assesses the current standing of the Netherlands in their qualifying group and looks back at two momentous encounters involving the Oranje in the very stadium where he plies his trade.

You had to watch the last two qualifying games against Romania and Andorra from the stands because of injury. Were you satisfied with your team-mates' performance?
Neither game was very good. But the 2-0 win in Romania was vital. Luckily we scored in the first minute which made it easier.

After that game there was another 2-0 win. Admittedly against Armenia in front of your own supporters. I bet that didn't fill the demanding Dutch fans with joy?
We didn't play very well in that game either, but we won anyway. Perhaps the performance didn't make everybody happy but at least we got the full six points from the two games. On top of that there's a three-point gap between ourselves and third-placed Romania, and we've played a game less.

So all's going well on the road to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™?
At the moment we're building a completely new team with young players. Firstly we are trying to qualify which is hard enough. Fortunately it's all going very well and that means the game against the Czech Republic will decide the group winners and runners-up. And that's in a group that includes Finland and Romania who are both dangerous opponents. We are delighted with the way things are shaping up at the moment with our young side.

Top spot in the group would, of course, guarantee the Netherlands automatic qualification. What would it mean to you to play in the finals?
I've played in two European Championships but never in a World Cup finals. Because of my age it may be my last chance. The thought of playing on my home ground in Munich would make the whole thing even more memorable. In 2010 I'll be 35, which means it’s unlikely I'll be around for the next finals.

Talking of Munich, the Netherlands have already featured in two finals in the city.
In 1974 we reached the final and lost. I wasn't even born then but I can certainly say we would have loved to have won it. But, on the day, Germany came out on top. On the other hand we were crowned European champions in Munich in 1988.

Marco van Basten played a decisive role in winning the European Championship. You've never been afraid to say he is your great role model so now he is the Oranje manager, how special is it for you?
Of course, it's great to work with him, but he's the manager and he has to put his ideas into practice for the whole team and not just for me and the other strikers. But naturally we do occasionally talk about goalscoring and the role of a striker.

The Netherlands are always one of the favourites at big tournaments. But you've 'only' won the 1988 European Championship. That's not much, is it?
We failed to qualify for the last World Cup but recently we have regularly made the quarters or semi-finals. We just couldn't take that last big step.

As you said, you'll be 35 by the 2010 FIFA World Cup. So will you retire from international football after the 2006 finals?
No, not necessarily. I haven't set myself any targets. As long as the body is willing, you should never say never! notas_de_prensa_archivo