Van der Vaart relieved by Bolton win

Rafael van der Vaart was relieved to see Tottenham take the lead in their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday.

Spurs emerged comfortable 3-1 winners from the match at White Hart Lane, but had been held goalless throughout the first 45 minutes.

Eventually, a Van der Vaart corner was met by the head of centre-back Ryan Nelson for the opening goal on 74 minutes, before the home side pushed on to book their place in the last four.

It was Tottenham’s first win from four matches in all competitions, and only their second in eight fixtures.

“I spoke to the other guys and I can’t remember being so happy to score a first goal, and it wasn’t even me that scored,” Van der Vaart told Spurs’ official website.

“At certain points you are thinking ‘please, go in’, but after the first goal you saw the relief and that we were going to win the game.

“It was a great victory and we played some fantastic football, how a Tottenham team is supposed to play.”

Netherlands international Van der Vaart also spoke of his delight at reaching the semi-finals, giving Spurs the opportunity to play at Wembley, where they will take on Chelsea.

“It’s always been a dream to play at Wembley and now we are there,” he said.

“It’s a great semi-final against Chelsea, plus Liverpool against Everton, so for Spurs fans and football fans everywhere it will be a fantastic day.”