Fulham goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar reckons The Cottagers can rescue
a season of disappointment by qualifying for the Intertoto Cup despite a
dismal 0-0 draw at home to relegated Leicester on Saturday.
The Cottagers have flattered to deceive in the Barclaycard Premiership but
despite flirting with relegation they still have a route into Europe left
open to them.
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Edwin van der Sar says Fulham can still make it to Europe |
|
| |
|
|
And van der Sar believes they could use the competition as a springboard
to UEFA Cup glory next season.
The Holland international was once in a similar position with Italian
giants Juventus.
The Turin club were facing the unthinkable prospect of a year without
European football, but entered the Intertoto and went on to reach the
UEFA Cup by winning the competition in 1999.
He said: "I was with Juventus four years ago when we missed out
on European qualification and we entered the Intertoto Cup and won through.
"It's a good competition because you get to go to strange places
and countries.
"Fulham got to the semi-final of the FA Cup this season and if we
get into the Intertoto then maybe it isn't too bad. That is the only chance
we have to be in Europe.
"Three points would have been important if we are to do that, and
we would normally have expected to get three points against Leicester,
but there was no spirit.
"We have not had any luck in front of goal but we are not strong enough
in defence either in some games."