The Dutch soccer team boss Marco van Basten on Friday evening before the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 against Russia confidence in the mental strength by Khalid Boulahrouz stressed. The wife of the defence this week had a premature birth in the joint child lost. "He has now left behind," said Van Basten. "He told me that I fully can count on him."

Whether Boulahrouz on Saturday at St. Jakob Park in Basel in fact, as in all three group games will begin, said the bond Coach open. The final training completed the 26-year-old from FC Sevilla in any case the full distance. "Some players are very close to him," said Van Basten. "Maybe the whole team even stronger."

The team chief warned before the offensive qualities of the Russians, but also suspects whose weaknesses identified to have Defensivbereich. This they had at 1:4 in the opening game against Spain revealed. "It is our duty, to play against them, such as Spain has done," said Van Basten. His counterpart Guus Hiddink had attack as best defence as a slogan. Van Basten: "I wish him good luck."

If Boulahrouz play, should the team the first two group games against Italy (3:0) and France (4:1) in a position to be changed. In midfield moves Arjen Robben in the starting formation. It is not clear, however, who will make room. Rafael van der Vaart could defensivere role in a slip. "I have no problem," assured the 25-year-old.

A small sideswipe was Van der Vaart but not resist. When he was in the press conference "Jahrhunderttor" of the team seated beside him Heads Van Basten European Championship finals in 1988 against the Soviet Union (2-0) was questioned, he replied with a broad grin: "I think he has a bit of luck . "