Dutch winger Arjen Robben insists the rivalry between Netherlands and Germany is no longer hatred ahead of Wednesday’s friendly between the two sides in Amsterdam.
The bordering nations have had a long and interesting history, with clashes between the pair always eagerly anticipated, but Robben said those emotional feelings were passing nowadays.
“It’s still an important and very special game. However, the hatred and aggressiveness from before is no longer there,” Robben told Bild.
“The relationship between Netherlands and Germany is pretty good these days. It’s no longer as emotional as back in the days.
“I think this has something to do with Louis van Gaal’s time at Bayern Munich, but players like Mark van Bommel, Rafael van der Vaart and myself have made a good impression in Germany, too.”
Meanwhile, Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar predicted a Netherlands win over Germany.
“Netherlands against Germany is always a special game. The fans will be fully behind us and we want to win it. I say: 1-0 to Netherlands,” Huntelaar told De Telegraaf.