Dirk Kuyt admits he has dreamt of playing in a World Cup final all his life, but the Holland and Liverpool winger knows he needs to put those thoughts aside and focus on the job ahead.
The hard-working 29-year-old has been a key player for Holland and is certain to take his place in the starting line-up against Uruguay in their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
He said the whole team was excited at still being in the tournament, but they were not getting carried away at the prospect of meeting either Germany or Spain in the decider.
"We are all so happy and we know how close we are to getting to the final," he told the Liverpool website.
"This is something we have dreamed about our whole lives but we know that we have got to be careful and everyone expects us to get there now.
"We have got a lot of hard work to do. We have got to make sure we stick together and not get too carried away because the semi-final will be the hardest game we play. But we have got a fantastic opportunity."
Kuyt, who blossomed at Feyenoord where he scored 83 goals in 122 matches, moved to Liverpool in 2006 and said he was looking forward to working with new manager Roy Hodgson.
"It is good news that everything is sorted out," said Kuyt after Hodgson agreed a three-year deal with the club last week to replace Rafael Benitez.
"I haven't spoken to the manager yet because everyone at Liverpool wanted me to prepare for Holland's game but I'm looking forward to speaking to him."
Hodgson has taken steps to introduce himself to all members of the Liverpool squad, including those still on World Cup duty, which include Kuyt and fellow Dutchman Ryan Babel.
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