Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Van der Vaart: World Cup a relief

SoccerNews in Bundesliga 24 May 2014

58 Views

Rafael van der Vaart is happy to be in the reckoning for the Netherland’s FIFA World Cup squad after a torrid campaign with Hamburg.

The Dutchman helped Hamburg escape relegation by the narrowest of margins, after a 1-1 aggregate draw with Greuther Furth in their end-of-season play-off saw them retain their Bundesliga status by virtue of the away goals rule.

That result meant that the club maintained their record as being the only side never to have been relegated from the top flight, and Van der Vaart explained that joining up with the national squad has come at the perfect time.

“It feels like such a relief after such a season with Hamburg,” he told Dutch television station NOS.

“If you come to the national team, the level is higher and there players there who have won titles.

“That’s why the mood is so positive, I feel really comfortable here.”

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal is yet to finalise his 23-man party for the finals in Brazil but should Van der Vaart make the cut it will be his third appearance at the tournament, with Netherlands looking to go one better than four years ago, when they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time in the final.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

More More
Top