Expectations have soared following the Dutch's stunning 3-0 win over world champions Italy in their opening Group C game, and they have immediately been thrust up among the tournament favourites.

Van der Sar has already experienced that feeling this season, having kept goal for United as they clinched the double in dramatic style by beating Chelsea to domestic and European club titles last month.

The 37-year-old hopes his national team colleagues can shoulder the burden as well as Sir Alex Ferguson's men did a few weeks ago.

"Our team can be very good but at the moment, we are still in the early stages of the championship," said van der Sar, whose side take on France on Friday in their second pool game.

"It was the same with United. Two weeks before the end of the season, everyone was saying how great Manchester United were and all the press were talking about us.

"But you still have nothing in your hands to show for it. That's the same here.

"All you guys are writing things about us and of course we played well (against Italy), but there are still so many games left.

"We just have to concentrate on the things we have to do. That's what we are doing for the game tomorrow (Friday) and I hope we play as we did last Monday."

Van der Sar emerged from the Champions League final with most of the plaudits after clinching victory for United with his penalty save from Nicolas Anelka in what proved to be the final spot-kick of a tension-filled shootout in Moscow.

The former Fulham and Juventus custodian still holds those moments close to him as he attempts to make it a perfect end to the season on a personal level.

"You always want to have these special moments where you win something and you are the main man," he added.

"When a striker scores, he always gets the credit even though a goalkeeper can be important and make the important saves.

"For a change, it is quite nice to get that credit and to win the Champions League for my club.

"But now we are in this competition. We have only had our first game and now have to maintain, or improve, our performances."