Andy van der Meijde does not look back with too much satisfaction at the 2004 European Championship in Portugal, the only tournament he experienced as an international for the Dutch national team. The former wing attacker of the Dutch slides in an interview with The Telegraph several things that he did not like at the time, such as the leaking of matters discussed in the dressing room to the media.
“There was a huge leak from the dressing room,” sighs Van der Meijde seventeen years after the final round in question. “If there had been a discussion, what was discussed would have been discussed in all football talk shows an hour later.” However, there were more things that the former winger did not like in Portugal. “With the preparation, we also sat together for far too long. The same faces every day. At some point all the jokes have already been made. It really became a bit of a grind. Eating, training, then eating again and then again train.”
Van der Meijde emphasizes that there were also highlights in 2004, especially in the sporting field. “Against Germany I had the assist on the equalizer of Ruud van Nistelrooij just before time. Afterwards a crucial goal.” The second group match was the most memorable of the tournament. “We were leading 2-1 against the Czech Republic and then suddenly Advocaat took Robben out and brought in Paul Bosvelt as an extra midfielder. That was a strange substitution, because Robben played very well. To be honest, I expected that I would be substituted. My god “How badly I played that game. When Bosvelt appeared on the line, I already wanted to walk to the side, but it was Robben who had to leave,” Van der Meijde looks back with surprise at Advocaat’s choice years later.
What followed was a storm of criticism against Advocaat. “There was that famous statement by Willem van Hanegem that he would knock Dick down if he wanted to change Robben again. The whole country was talking about it. I also thought it was sad for Advocaat. He was a passionate trainer, but also a warm person”, Van der Meijde takes up for the former national coach. During the European Championship, the attacker lost his place to Marc Overmars on the right flank. “And I have to say that I didn’t play that European Championship well at all. I missed rhythm after a difficult first year at Inter. All in all it was not a great tournament, but a very nice experience.”
Football zone keeps you informed about everything about EURO 2020
Curious about the current position, the competition program and much more European Championship news? Click here!
Related
More sports news