Holman backs mates

Australia’s Brett Holman believes “all bets are off” for the World Cup Final with, he claims, his adopted home of the Netherlands able to upset favourite Spain in a one-off match.

Holman, who plays with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, was one of Australia’s success stories in South Africa with energetic performances against Ghana and Serbia netting two goals to boost his reputation.

Speaking to The World Game while holidaying near Barcelona in Spain, Holman said he believed the Dutch could beat the Spanish in Johannesburg.

“It is a one-off game and I think all bets are off,” Holman said. “The way Netherlands have played in this World Cup they have to be a chance against a great Spain side.

“Spain are the best in the world, I believe, at the moment. But anything can happen and I do believe Holland have a chance.

“There’s a lot of Dutch people here [in Spain on holiday] as well so it will be funny on Sunday if we all end up at a bar. It should be exciting.”

Holman will return to Alkmaar after his vacation to meet the club’s new coach whose last name will be strikingly familiar – Verbeek.

New AZ boss Gertjan Verbeek is no relation to the Socceroo’s former coach Pim but has taken charge of the club for the upcoming season, succeeding legend Dick Advocaat.

Holman said he was still savouring the World Cup experience but was looking forward to starting a new season in the Netherlands.

Australia’s new coach would determine his Asian Cup role, he said.

“I will enjoy my holiday now and start back up at AZ and get back into the season,” he said.

“I haven’t thought about the future much, to be honest, but I have to concentrate on AZ and then when the time comes around for the Asian Cup, considering who the coach is, and if he picks me and I am available, then I will stick my hand up.”


http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/2010-world-cup/news/1013031/Holman-backs-mates