"I would give back all the honors I've won in my club career in exchange for winning the World Cup. That's how much it means to me," the veteran shot-stopper was quoted as saying by Sky Sports network.

"I've won the Champions League Final and a few other prizes, but I would happily swap them for a World Cup winners' medal."

Van der Sar was a member of Holland's campaign towards the World Cup semis in 1998 when they lost to eventual champions Brazil on penalties and the Manchester United player still regrets the moment.

"The best thing was the game itself between two good teams with quality players," added van der Sar.

"But being so close to playing in a World Cup Final and to lose on penalties was very hard."

Holland plays in Group C alongside Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro.