Frank Rijkaard: The Netherlands can beat any team in the world and can win Euro 2012

Posted Monday, October 24, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Saudi Arabia coach Frank Rijkaard has stressed that the Netherlands has the qualities to go all the way in next year's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

"Whether I think the current team can repeat our success from 1988? To be honest, yes. It’s easier to say than do, of course, but I think they can," he was quoted as saying on the official FIFA website.

Rijkaard, who was part of the Dutch team that won Euro 1988, believes that the current squad have the team spirit to emulate his side's success and also feels they are capable of beating any opposition.

"Everything has to be in place for it to happen and you need a bit of luck into the bargain, but if they can preserve that great team spirit of theirs then it is definitely possible," Rijkaard said.

He added, "The Netherlands can beat any side in the world on their day. The main reason for their success is the sheer talent of the new generation of players, their great team spirit, and the desire to go down in the annals of Dutch football by winning a major trophy."

The 2010 World Cup finalists finished top of the table in Group E of the qualification campaign to book their ticket for Euro 2012.