Heitinga: Spain will retain Euro crown

Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga has tipped Spain to retain their title at the upcoming European Championship.

The last time the Netherlands and Spain met in an international tournament, the Dutch were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup by an Andres Iniesta goal in extra-time.

Despite considering Holland as a team that will do well at the upcoming European Championship, Heitinga told the official FIFA website that Spain and Germany are still the teams to beat.

"Of course we are one of the favourites, but Spain is number one, Germany I think are number two because a couple of months ago they beat us 3-0 in Hamburg." he stated.

The Everton player believes the core of the Dutch national squad has stayed the same, and that familiarity will work to their advantage at Euro 2012.

"We’re doing well, especially in the last couple of years, and our team is still the same, hopefully everybody will be fit and the squad will be the same. The most important thing is that the main players are there and fit." Heitinga said.

"If Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie are on form, then it’s hard to stop them. The other seven in the side know what to do and play in our way, so that the top four [players] can do what they want."