After the in-fighting of previous campaigns, coach Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad are showing unity en route to the semi-finals.
"Portugal was a fantastic training camp and that really helped merge the group. This was the first time we actually spent time together as a group so I don't have to check up on them," he said.
"I haven't checked up on them once. And that doesn't happen very often according to you guys (reporters) but truly that's the case.
"They know exactly when they have to take their responsibility and that is the gist of the matter.
"It's not about me, it's not about the staff, it's about the players taking responsibility. When I compare that to the other teams I have worked with, it's incredibly strong."