Huntelaar: Netherlands must put Euro 2012 disappointment behind them

Jul 28, 2012 9:06:00 AM

The Oranje lost all their Group B games in a disappointing campaign, but the Schalke forward states that his country must look forward to 2014 World Cup qualifying

Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar revealed that he has already put the country's disappointment of Euro 2012 behind him.

Oranje crashed out at the first hurdle after losing all three of their Group B games in Poland and Ukraine, after the side had been touted as a potential challenger for the trophy.

Bert van Marwijk has since been replaced by Louis van Gaal as the national team coach, and the Schalke forward has urged his side to look forward and not back.

"We did not play well together and were already eliminated after the group stages," Huntelaar told Voetbal International.

"That was a big disappointment, especially since everyone was expecting so much from us; I was too. During my holiday I quickly closed the book on the European Championship. To me, it is now behind us.

“Van Gaal is a good trainer, clear and sharp. With renewed courage and strength we will try to qualify for the World Cup in two years time in Brazil. I still love playing for the Dutch team,” the 28-year-old confessed.

Netherlands kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Turkey on September 6.

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