Dutch sub Afellay living his dream (News Feature)

By Peter Auf der Heyde Jun 15, 2010, 11:14 GMT

Johannesburg - The Dutch World Cup team won, but it is yet to live up to the reputation of playing fast attacking combination football.

The closest they got to the traditional style in their 2-0 over Denmark was late in the second half after Eljero Elia and Ibrahim Afellay came on as substitutes.

However, PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Afellay tried to downplay his own contribution.

'I don't want to say whether the substitutions made a difference, that is up to the journalists to say,' he said.

The 24-year-old, who is yet to score an international goal and has been used mainly as a substitute, said playing at the World Cup was like a dream come true.

'I enjoy it very, very much. I think that the World Cup is something that everybody dreams about when you are young and now to play at this level is just terrific.

'This is the level you want to play, it does not matter whether you are a young or an old player, everybody wants to play well and be at the World Cup.'

When asked whether he was hoping to feature more prominently in the team, given his performance, he said that it was a decision the coach would make.

'I try my best and then I see what will come from that,' he said.

The Utrecht born player of Moroccan descent, who was called up for international duty by both Morocco and Netherlands, said that the players were greatly encouraged by all the support they had in the stadium.

'When you see the fans, all wearing the orange, you think you are playing at home. The atmosphere is very very good and that gives the players a good feeling.'

He said that he believed the fact that they were one of the favourites was both positive and negative.

'Of course the fact that we are one of the favourites gives some pressure, but it also gives confidence.

'But I think that not only we have a good team, there are a lot of good teams at the World Cup, so we will see what will happens.'