Meaning: Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former Dutch professional footballer, made this statement regarding his performance in a crucial match for the Netherlands national team. This quote reflects his confidence and determination to take on a significant role for his national team and his satisfaction with delivering a strong performance to help the team achieve their goal of qualifying for the Euro 2004 finals.

Nistelrooy's request for a "big responsibility" in the match highlights his desire to be a key player and make a meaningful contribution to the team's success. This shows his willingness to shoulder the pressure and expectations that come with being a star player for the national team. By expressing his request for this responsibility, Nistelrooy demonstrates his belief in his abilities and his readiness to step up when it matters most.

The fact that Nistelrooy "got it and dealt with it" suggests that he was able to handle the pressure and responsibility that he sought. This indicates a strong sense of self-assurance and mental resilience on his part. It also reflects his ability to perform under pressure and rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.

Nistelrooy's emphasis on playing well and scoring goals underscores the importance of individual performance in football, especially in crucial matches with high stakes. As a striker, his primary responsibility was to score goals, and by doing so effectively in this match, he not only contributed to the team's success but also validated his request for a significant role.

The significance of the team's qualification for the Euro 2004 finals cannot be overstated. International tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship provide an opportunity for national teams to showcase their talent on a grand stage and compete for glory. By helping the Netherlands qualify for this prestigious tournament, Nistelrooy played a vital role in the team's collective achievement and contributed to a memorable and important moment for Dutch football.

Overall, Nistelrooy's quote captures the essence of a player who sought and embraced a leadership role, delivered a standout performance, and ultimately helped his team achieve a crucial objective. It reflects his confidence, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure, as well as his deep commitment to representing his country at the highest level of international football. Nistelrooy's words serve as a testament to the mindset and qualities required to succeed as a top-level athlete, and they highlight the impact of individual excellence in the context of team success.