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Nigel De Jong: We must beat Portugal

De Jong: We must beat Portugal
© PA Photos
Nigel De Jong insists that Netherlands must seize the opportunity to escape Group B.

Manchester City and Netherlands midfielder Nigel De Jong is thankful that qualification is still achievable, and insists the Oranje must "seize the opportunity" to progress in Euro 2012.

Group B, dubbed the 'group of death' is living up to its name, with all four teams still able to qualify on the final day. Two defeats in two for the Netherlands mean that they must beat Portugal and rely on Germany beating Denmark.

"This situation is a bit odd, three teams could finish with three points, and we might qualify with that," De Jong told Goal.com. "It was not what we expected, but we must seize the opportunity.

"Portugal are a good team, of course, with good players, especially in attack. But I think we are better, and that it's time to prove it because we have not done so in this tournament."

"I'm sure we will beat Portugal, but obviously we have to wait for Germany to win, which is a bit uncomfortable, really."

Should Joachim Low's side play out a draw with Denmark, then the Netherlands will be making an early return home from Euro 2012.

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