• Euro 2012

Sneijder slams 'pathetic Dutch egos'

ESPN staff
June 13, 2012
Netherlands were beaten 1-0 by Denmark in their opening match © PA Photos
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Wesley Sneijder has called on the Netherlands squad to pull together and rescue their Euro 2012 campaign.

The Dutch suffered a surprise defeat to Denmark in their opening group game and there are fears that divisions in the camp will swamp the Oranje. The press in Netherlands have hit out and radio chat shows have been filled with calls for coach Bert van Marwijk to go.

Van Marwijk is also facing pressure from within the squad with regard to the role of Mark van Bommel, his son-in-law, in the team.

Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart has spoken openly about his frustration with life as a substitute, while Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is said to be upset about being asked to play the understudy to Robin van Persie.

Germany are up next for the Dutch on Wednesday and midfielder Sneijder wants the in-fighting to stop.

"It is time we let these pathetic egos go," Sneijder said. "If somebody is creating a mess, I will stand up against them now.

"We don't need a psychologist with the Dutch team, we are grown-up men. The ones who have a problem with other players or the manager should tell them face-to-face. That is the only psychology we need.

"We have to stop living on little islands. We must all go for the same goal, be united or face the consequences."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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