The Dutch are brimming with confidence after a comprehensive 2-0 victory over England at White Hart lane on Wednesday night, but Van Nistelrooy is under no illusions of the task his national side face in Dublin early next month.
"Ireland only have to draw and we're out, so it will be a thought situation," said the United striker. "They can play with more caution and we know it will be difficult. They surely will not give us as much space as England did. It's all or nothing for us against Ireland. We must win, but I think we'll be okay if we play as we did in the first half against England.
"We needed this performance and result. Of course this is food for our confidence, England play a similar way to the Irish. We had good possession of the ball in the first half, I felt we dominated and we scored goals before the break - now that is what we want in the game against Ireland."