KHARKIV: Veteran midfielder Mark van Bommel has responded to the criticism he received because of his form for Holland at Euro 2012.

Van Bommel (pic), 35, has been widely criticized  for his performance, with Holland on the brink of elimination from the tournament after suffering two defeats in their first two matches.

He said the comments about his displays are unfair, and insisted he does not get preferential treatment from Bert van Marwijk for being married to the coach's daughter.

"Before I was a hero, now I am only van Marwijk's son-in-law," said van Bommel, who is now with PSV Eindhoven.

"Age has nothing to do with it. If there is a hole between our defensive line and our midfield, it is not because I am walking around the pitch."

Holland will have to beat Poland by more than one goal this morning (2.45am) and hope that Germany defeat Denmark in order to progress to the last eight.

Van Bommel is refusing to give up.

"We will fight for our chance," said the former AC Milan man.

"We will not sit back and watch but we will try to grab this chance."