Van der Vaart: We´re all to blame

Rafael van der Vaart has admitted there was tension in the Netherlands camp before and during their disastrous Euro 2012 campaign.

Van der Vaart and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar both bemoaned their substitute roles, creating unrest, but the Tottenham man feels all the players are equally responsible for the team’s disappointing tournament.

“There were a few problems, but it wasn’t as bad as people made it out to be. Huntelaar was a bit angry. That’s correct. (Wilfred) Bouma slapping the team doctor? Completely false,” Van der Vaart told Kicker.

“Of course I will continue as an international. I don’t feel like the calls for rejuvenation are aimed directly at me. We are all to blame for what happened.”

The attacking midfielder also said he supported manager Bert van Marwijk, who is under pressure to keep his job after their exit in the group stages.

Van der Vaart started just once at the European Championship as van Marwijk preferred other players in midfield, but the attacker does not hold any grudges.

“People often make wrong decisions in the heat of the moment. I don’t have anything against it if van Marwijk continues,” he said.

“He was successful at the World Cup and stuck with that team. A lot of players weren’t in top form, though.

“It’s a huge disappointment. You can always go out in a group like this, but not in this way. I understand the criticism. The way we played was unacceptable.”

Van der Vaart will become the fifth Dutchman to reach 100 caps if he features in the international friendly against Belgium in August.