Gullit expects Holland, Germany to reach Euro 2012 final

Tampa Star (IANS) Wednesday 8th February, 2012

Former Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit hopes for a Holland and Germany final at the Euro 2012 Championships in June-July.

"Of course, Spain is a favourite (too). We all know about that," the Dutch said Monday. The football legend who was awarded as World Soccer Player in 1987 and 1989 praised his national team.

"I think they are one of the first teams to qualify for the European Championships," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua. However, in the European Championships Holland were drawn in the same group together with Portugal, Germany and Denmark.

"We are in a very difficult group. It is going to be tough. But it (Holland) has a great chance to get through."

Gullit admitted that Holland "didn't play very well in the practice match a few months ago."

"Germany are an excellent team, with good young players. So it is kind of tough to get a good result," he commented. Talking about Portugal, he noted it is "a difficult opponent for Holland". He especially spoke highly Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He is such a great player. He could run around. He could score goals. And he has good free kicks."

In private, Gullit said he was a man would can always be relaxed and enjoying life. He also revealed that his personal idol was Dutch football master Hendrik Johannes Cruijff.

"He is very important in my life, and he is a legend also," he said.