EURO 2008 INFO

The world soccer governing body ventured that the Hamburger SV man's previous declarations about his side being 'underdogs' was mere deflection, but Rafael disputes this.

He said, "It wasn't necessarily a bluff. Just look at our group. We've got two of the favourites - Italy and France - in with us and Romania shouldn't be underestimated.

"Of course we know that we have a good team, but I'm not going to talk up our title chances. First off, we've got to get through a really tough group.

"Well basically there are no easy opponents at a European Championship. And in any case we can't change the draw and just have to take it as it comes.

"There's not a lot to say about Italy and France. Both teams have so many good players that they can beat anyone on their day. Romania showed how strong they are in the recent EURO qualifying. At the EURO, it will all come down to who plays better on the day.

"If we win? It would be a dream come true, and a big dream at that. The Euro is as difficult to win as a World Cup.

"I quite honestly think they would declare a national holiday in the Netherlands. It would be a dream come true for the whole country as well."

Club Concerns

The ex-Ajax man has been linked with a move away from Hamburg for some time, but for now he has his sights set on further success in Germany.

"Before the start of the season, we said that we just wanted to do better than last year," he said.

"We know that it's going to be tough between now and the end of the season. Looking at the mid-term, HSV should be aiming to compete for the league title and make some waves on the international stage.

"I think that everything's in place for us to do that. We have a great team, a wonderful stadium and some very enthusiastic fans. You can tell that the city is right behind the club, and I think that's great.

"My move? Right from the moment when the transfer went through, I was convinced that it was the right move at the right time. I still had to adapt though. I was living in a different city and playing in a different league. That made me mature more quickly and I learnt how to take on my responsibilities.

"I think that it has been a positive experience and will help me further down the line."