Euro 2012: Football is the only focus for Van Marwijk

HOLLAND coach Bert van Marwijk is desperate to maintain focus amongst his players so they can deliver on the expectations they have created for themselves going into Euro 2012.

The Dutch go into their opening match against Denmark today as clear favourites for the match and among the favourites for the tournament. However, turning up alone will not be enough and, with the issue of racism already hanging over the camp following claims of monkey chants being directed at players during an open session in Krakow, Van Marwijk wants to make sure nothing distracts his players from the job at hand.

Van Marwijk insisted he had not heard anything, and instead warned there was a tough task ahead even if the Danes have already accepted the underdog tag. “We both have the same way of playing, we don’t have any secrets from one other,” he said.

Van Marwijk confirmed the Dutch will be without defender Joris Mathijsen today as he is struggling with a hamstring injury.