Dirk Kuyt's eighth-minute opener was added to by goals from Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder in the second half as the Dutch blew away the French in Bern just as they had world champions Italy four days earlier in the same city.

With two stunning wins already safely wrapped up, Van Basten can now afford to rest some of his key players for Tuesday's group match against Romania.

But for the moment, the former AC Milan striker is happy to laud his players' displays in their opening two outings.

The likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and his fellow forwards may be grabbing the headlines after scoring seven goals in two games, but Van Basten was quick to make a case for his defence.

"France put a lot of pressure on us and they tried everything to make it difficult for us, so I have to give some compliments to my defenders," he said.

"They were put under a lot of pressure but they managed to do well. And in the end, we scored some good goals on the counter-attack.

"I don't think it was easy. Tonight we were lucky and scored goals at the right moment.

"The team had to defend and they did it well. I congratulate my defence."

Van Basten believed the performance in the 3-0 win over the Italians was more impressive, despite seeing his team put four goals past a revered France backline.

"We played better against Italy than we did against France," he said.

"We started well in the first half, but then we got into problems and did not play football.

"We needed more players to stretch France and in bringing on Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben for the second half, we had more chances to go deep and that helped us and gave us more space.

"With these players, it is difficult for our opponents. They are quick and technical so we were much more dangerous in the second half.

"We are very happy to beat Italy, the world champions, and then France, the former world champions."

A win for Romania over Holland on Tuesday would see Italy and France, two of the pre-tournament favourites for the title, ousted from the competition.

But Van Basten assured that the players picked for that game would give their best.

"We are first in the group whatever happens and we are very happy about that," he added.

"But we have an obligation to play well, to the players and the supporters.

"The result may not be too important for us and we do not have to win, but we should give ourselves some aims and see if we can achieve those aims."

Les Bleus' consolation goal came through Thierry Henry - when the score was 2-0 - on his return to the team, but their normally stubborn defence could not handle the pace and brio of the Dutch frontline.

France coach Raymond Domenech admitted a host of things went against his side at the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf.

"I am not very happy and neither are the players," he said.

"When you lose a match 4-1, it hurts and it's difficult to take.

"But that's sport when you are not efficient enough, when the referee comes into play and the opposition goalkeeper is so good."

He complimented the Dutch for their performance but admitted his defence had to take some of the blame.

"That's a first for us," he said of his team's poor defending.

"It used to be our strength, a solid defence. But it collapsed in a department where we are strong.

"They had a bit of luck but they did the same thing against Italy, so it obviously is not just about luck."

Domenech admits qualification is now out of his side's hands, adding: "There is a still a possibility for both teams (France and Italy), but it depends on the other match now.

"Holland now have six points and I am convinced they won't field the same players and won't have the same energy. "We just have to keep hoping."