Hamburger SV midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has declared that his side are capable of challenging for Europe this season.
Van der Vaart scored a penalty last weekend in Hamburg's Bundesliga opener, a pulsating 3-3 draw against Schalke 04.
The Dutch midfielder believes that his side's spirited effort at the AufSchalke Arena bodes well for a positive campaign in the port city, if they can show the same fight on a regular basis.
He told the Bundesliga's official website: "We can be very satisfied with our first game, and with a good performance to start the season. I had the feeling throughout that we deserved more than a point, we scored some lovely goals and played well, particularly after going a goal down early on.
"We put the system that the manager wanted into practice. I think I show my quality further up the field, that's where I can help my team most.
"We need to continue playing exactly as we played here. We're aiming to play every match with the same passion and competitive spirit as today, and if we do, anything's possible."
Thorsten Fink's men are back in action this weekend when they host Hoffenheim at the Imtech Arena.
Liam Power
