Holland coach Marco van Basten looks set to be offered a new contract to stay in charge of the national side until 2010.

The former international striker took his young Dutch team to the first knockout stage of the World Cup finals where they lost 1-0 to Portugal in a controversial encounter.

Henk Kesler, the director of the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB), wants van Basten to stay in charge until after the next World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Kesler said: "It is possible that I am telling a secret now. But the KNVB would appreciate it if we can extend our contract with van Basten until 2010 so that we can become world champions with the new squad in South Africa.

"We will talk about it shortly, but there is no need for major talks with van Basten.

"He is on the right path, and I must say that he has exceeded expectations. We have learnt a lot in this World Cup.''

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is unsure whether to extend his international career.

The 35-year-old Manchester United star is his country's most capped player after playing in his 113th game for Holland against the Portuguese but does not want to end his international career on a low note.

"This is not the right moment to decide," he told De Telegraaf. "I still have a really bitter feeling about our elimination.

"It's better to take some time first. I will sleep on it for a couple of nights and then discuss it with the people for whom such a decision also has consequences."