Dutch coach Marco van Basten said Wednesday his side’s place in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals is far from assured despite their 3-0 demolition of world champions Italy.

The Netherlands proved they are the team to beat at the European Championships on Monday night against the Italians in Berne, the same night as Group C rivals France were held 0-0 by Romania in Zurich.

But former Dutch striker Van Basten expects a tough battle against 2006 World Cup finalists France on Friday in Berne, Switzerland, with victory giving his side a place in the last eight.

And Van Basten also warned against any Dutch complacency in their final group game against Romania next Tuesday.

“France’s match (a 0-0 draw with Romania) was really not a spectacle, but we expect a complicated match against the French,” said Van Basten ahead of Friday night’s match in Berne.

“The Romanians will be very defensive, very hard to break down. We recently experienced that against them (in the qualification rounds).”

And the Dutch coach refused to accept his side are co-favourites for the Euro 2008 title.

“To be the favorite, it is necessary to be good for more than just one match. We still have a long way to go.

“But I would readily accept a repeat of our Italian job against France. We managed it because some of my players have really matured since the 2006 World Cup.

“Each opponent requires a different approach. It is necessary to take account of the power of your adversary. And Friday, France will be strong. They have been one of the most powerful teams in the last ten years.”