It may not have been convincing, but it was controlled, as the Dutch used an Arjen Robben goal to take an early lead they’d never relinquish, putting Slovakia out at the Round of 16.
World Cup 2010: Netherlands Downs Slovakia With Goals From Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder
Arjen Robben made his return to the Dutch lineup with an 18th minute goal, with Wesley Sneijder’s late tally leading to a 2-1 victory Monday over Slovakia, putting the Netherlands into the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.
It was a controlled if unspectacular performance by the Dutch, who looked the better side but gave the Slovaks multiple second half opportunities to equalize. Robert Vittek, who would convert a penalty kick in second half stoppage time, missed an opportunity for 12 yards half-way through the period, with a Juraj Kucka shot from distance testing Maarten Stekelenburg moments before.
Read Article >World Cup 2010, Netherlands Vs. Slovakia: Arjen Robben Goal Puts Dutch Ahead In 18th Minute
Netherlands right wing Arjen Robben was a surprise inclusion in Bert van Marwijk’s starting XI, still thought to be recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him from starting the Dutch’s group matches. But against Slovakia, Robben has vindicated van Marwijk’s decision early, scoring in the 18th minute to put the Netherlands ahead 1-0.
Robben took the ball on the right of attack and cut in to get the ball on his left foot. With Rabaslav Zabavnik and Jan Durica unable to close him out, Robben go a shot off from 22 yards out to beat Jan Mucha near post.
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