Huntelaar: Euro 2012 a distant memory

Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has already put the disappointment of Euro 2012 behind him.

The Dutch crashed out at the first hurdle after losing all three of their Group B games in Poland and Ukraine, after the side had been touted as a potential winner.

Bert van Marwijk has since been replaced by Louis van Gaal as the national team coach, and the Schalke forward has urged his side to look forward and not back.

“We did not play well together and were already eliminated after the group stages,” Huntelaar told Voetbal International.

“That was a big disappointment, especially since everyone was expecting so much from us; I was too. During my holiday I quickly closed the book on the European Championship. To me, it is now behind us.

“Van Gaal is a good trainer, clear and sharp. With renewed courage and strength we will try to qualify for the World Cup in two years time in Brazil. I still love playing for the Dutch team,” the 28-year-old confessed.

Netherlands kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Turkey on September 6.