By Abhishek Roy
Cape Town, Jul 9 (IANS): Dutch and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt feels that his knowledge about Spanish players would come handy when the two sides clash at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium Sunday in an all-European World Cup final.
"It is difficult to say how we will perform Sunday, but I guess the whole world is supporting us. I also know enough about Spain from the Spanish guys at Liverpool," Kuyt told IANS at the Green Point Stadium here.
The 29-year-old Kuyt has played a prominent role in Holland's 3-2 win against Uruguay that sealed their place in Sunday's final against the Spaniards.
Kuyt congratulated his Liverpool team mates Fernando Torres and Pepe, for beating the Germans.
"I wish my team mates Torres and Pepe, all the best. They were outstanding against the Germans. The best team on display Sunday must win the final," said Kuyt.
Kuyt added with confidence that on their day, the Dutch can beat the best.
"There is a strong sense of self-belief in the team and we know that on our day we can beat the best. We have proved it once at Port Elizabeth when we defeated Brazil. They were the favourites in the match and we were the underdogs and we came back from a goal down to win the match," said Kuyt.
"Even if we don’t play our best we have to believe that we can control the game and create chances. We have to believe that we have to score in every game. It is a great feeling," he said.
Kuyt went on to add that it has been a tough season for him at his club in Liverpool due to several changes - the latest being the sacking of Rafa Benitez, who has now replaced Fulham manager Roy Hodgson.
"I always said that I would focus in the World Cup. In the meantime we had a new manager. He had a great season at Fulham and I am looking forward to speaking to him," Kuyt said.
Asked, if he has got a chance to speak to Hodgson, who is here working for the BBC during the World Cup, Kuyt said: "No not yet. But what I understand from club officials is that he wants to speak to me. I am very busy with the World Cup and it is important for me to stay focussed."
With praises being showered over him by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff and national coach Bert Van Marwjik, Kuyt seems unmoved.
"It is a great honour for me if someone like Cruyff or my coach have praised me. But at this point of time I am not thinking about anything. We are in the World Cup final and this is the most important moment of my life. I am not thinking beyond the World Cup final," he said.