Character was key for Netherlands in Turkey clash, says Strootman

Sep 8, 2012 3:15:00 PM

The Dutch midfielder was pleased with his side's performance in their recent victory over Abdullah Avci's men, claiming that the players' collective effort carried them to victory

EXCLUSIVE
By Jesse Wieten

Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman believes that Friday's 2-0 victory over Turkey was the result of a resolute team performance as opposed to individual quality.

Oranje were made to work hard to secure their first victory under Louis van Gaal as the visitors created a number of chances, only to squander them.

"It wasn't about me, but the team as a whole," the PSV enforcer told Goal.com.

"You help each other. The beginning of the second half didn't go too well, but we picked ourselves back up after that. We're starting over with a lot of new faces, so when you win right away, it is relieving.

"You need to win the first game against one of the group's better teams, especially at home. Of course it wasn't a perfect performance.

"We gave away some chances in the beginning, but we recovered and our character got us the win. Everyone wanted to fight for each other.

"A team needs that, especially when things aren't really going well in a footballing sense."

Oranje will be looking to build on their opening win when they travel to Hungary on September 11.

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