De Vrij hopeful Feyenoord can beat Dynamo Kiev

Jul 29, 2012 6:10:00 PM

The Rotterdam giants face a tough task to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, but the defender is keeping positive that they can overcome the first hurdle

Stefan de Vrij hopes Feyenoord can cause an upset in Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kiev.

The Rotterdam giants finished runners-up behind Ajax in the Eredivisie last year to book their ticket for the third qualifying round of European club football's elite tournament, and the defender feels the side have what it takes to make it to the play-offs.

"It is going to be a difficult match against a good opponent. We are not the favourites, but we will get our chances. I'm confident that we can get a good result," De Vrij told RTV Rijnmond.

"This is a new experience for all of us, but we have been fighting hard for it to get this far. We deserve to be here. We have been looking forward to it for a long time."

Feyenoord will be without last year's captain Ron Vlaar following his transfer to Aston Villa, and De Vrij has admitted the centre-back will be missed.

"I will miss him at the back. We'll have to cope with his exit, though. You can't change that. Whenever players leave, others step up to fill the void."

Tuesday's match in Ukraine kicks off at 19:00UTC.

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