Brilliance in the face of adversity: Van Nistelrooy's magnificent turnaround
On November 19, 2003, in a thrilling battle of the European Football Championship qualifiers, the Dutch team in the first round of the adverse situation of a one-goal deficit, Van Nistelrooy stepped forward, scored three goals, to help the Dutch team to 6-0 reversal of Scotland, a thrilling out of the line.
The following year, he represented the Dutch national team for the first time in a major tournament, the UEFA European Football Championship. Facing Germany in the first match, Van Nistelrooy's goal leveled the score at one point. Despite losing to the Czech Republic in the group stage, the Dutch managed to qualify by virtue of their second-place record, eventually losing to hosts Portugal in the quarterfinals.
In the 2006 World Cup, Van Nistelrooy's triple-arrow combination with Robben and Van Persie was impressive in the group stage, but unfortunately they suffered elimination in the round of 16. Despite consistently failing to win at international level, Van Nistelrooy's exit was not without suspense.
At the beginning of 2007, Van Nistelrooy announced his withdrawal from the national team due to coach Van Basten's abandonment. However, only five months later, Van Nistelrooy once again expressed his desire to play for the national team, and Van Basten announced his recall. But by Euro 2008, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement once again.
After van Marwijk took over as head coach of the Netherlands, van Nistelrooy had expressed his willingness to return to the national team in preparation for the 2010 World Cup, but ultimately failed to make the cut. However, van Nistelrooy was called up again during Euro 2012 qualifying due to an injury to Robin van Persie, and scored a goal each against San Marino and Hungary. Despite failing to make the final squad for the tournament, he said, "It's always a pleasure for me to play a part for the national team."
Well, that's
Van Nistelrooy's national team career
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