By Theo Ruizenaar
Zeist - The Netherlands captain and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is considering retiring from international soccer, coach Marco van Basten said on Wednesday.
Midfielder Philip Cocu has also confirmed the 101st cap he won in Sunday's 1-0 second-round defeat by Portugal was his last.
"Philip (Cocu) told us that it was enough at the age of 36," Van Basten told reporters.
'He is not only a fantastic keeper but also a good captain' "Edwin (Van der Sar) has his doubts but we hope he will continue as he is not only a fantastic keeper but also a good captain."
Van Basten said Van der Sar, undisputed first choice since 1995 and the Dutch record holder with 113 caps, wanted to concentrate on winning trophies for his club side Manchester United.
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The Dutch coach, reviewing his side's performance at the tournament, said he was partially satisfied.
The Netherlands defeated Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro before drawing 0-0 with Argentina to finish behind the South Americans on goal difference Group C. They were then defeated by Maniche's goal for Portugal, a game in which both sides had two players sent off.
"Our main target was to make progression with a young squad and that worked out," said Van Basten.
"We did not dominate matches like we wanted but that also has to do with the strength of our opponents.
"If you see the teams still in the tournament it is clear we missed physical power on our midfield."
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