MIDDLESBROUGH winger Boudewijn Zenden last night insisted Holland would not make the "stupid" mistake of underestimating Scotland in their Euro 2004 play-off.

The Dutch are delighted to have landed a two-legged tie with the Scots rather than the likes of Spain or Turkey, both of whom are also trying to take the backdoor route to next year's European Championship.

But Zenden has branded the euphoria "nonsense" and fears Berti Vogts's Scotland could prevent Holland qualifying for a second successive major tournament.

He said: "I was listening to the play-offs draw and I thought one of the sides we really didn't want was Scotland.

"I heard a lot of nonsense back home in Holland about how this was an easier draw than maybe some of the other teams we could have got, but I don't agree.

"I think Scotland are team full of heart and effort, and when you have those two qualities you're a dangerous side.

"Scotland may not have the world-class players they had in the past, but they're still a formidable side who have beaten a lot of good teams in recent years, not least Germany.

"We would be stupid to underestimate them and no one in the Holland side will do that. We know it will be a very tough tie and the side which wins it may do so by just a single goal. It will be that close.

"I think a lot of Dutch people were quite pleased with the draw, but I've always said Scotland are a good team and will be a massive test for us. The Hampden Park game will be very tight and I think the team that scores first will have an advantage."

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