Ruud Van Nistelrooy has outlined the importance of a strong start in Holland's FIFA World Cup campaign. Holland will play in the tough Group C, which includes Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro and Ivory Coast, and the Dutch ace believes any slip up could prove costly for his side. "They're three fantastic teams we have to face in the group phase so already there are no easy games," Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports on Monday. "We can't afford to slip up or start slowly so we want to prepare for a flying start because we have to," he added. The Manchester United striker dished out praise for coach Marco Van Basten noting that he changed a lot in the Dutch team since taking over from Dick Advocaat after Euro 2004. "Once he [Van Basten] came, a revolution took place," the 29-year-old international said.
Van Basten After taking over, Van Basten replaced many veteran players such as midfielders Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf with uprising young stars like Hedwiges Maduro and Ryan Babel. "80 percent of the team was older, now 80 percent are youngsters he's brought in but quality wise I think they're very good." Van Nistelrooy has been especially supportive of van Basten's choice of Ajax's Maduro, who was called up to the national team after playing only three league games for Ajax. "Maudro is a very young player but very very mature in his play and in his game, he has many more talents that impress me every time in training." Van Basten has guided Holland through an unbeaten World Cup qualification campaign.
