"Against Portugal someone else played and even then we could have beaten them."

He played in all three Group C matches and scored in the 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast but was clearly off his best form.

Despite his problems, Van Nistelrooy, who made way for Dirk Kuyt in the lineup against Portugal, made clear he had no plans to retire as an international.

"I have proved myself at the highest level for years already and everyone should know what I can mean for a team," he said.