2010 World Cup: Netherlands v Japan full time report
Netherlands 1 Japan 0
Wesley Sneijder's second half goal against Japan ensured that the Netherlands have now all but sealed their place in the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup finals.
It was far from a vintage performance from the Dutch, but they won't be overly concerned after picking up their second consecutive win, and now look odds on to finish top of Group E.
Full credit must go to their opponents for producing another spirited performance. Inspired by their 29-year-old defender Tulio, Japan's defence stood firm and resolute throughout. However, they were eventually undone by a rasping effort from Sneijder which Eiji Kawashima really should have prevented.
Bert van Marwijk's side dominated possession in the first half but couldn't break down their Japanese opponents. Chances were few and far between during a rather uneventful first half, with only Sneijder going close from a 25-yard free kick, which was always rising.
Japan looked content to play out the second half in exactly the same fashion. Coach Takeshi Okada would have gladly settled for four points from their opening two matches before the tournament had kicked off.
His side's stern defence, spearheaded by the impressive Tulio, were eventually breached 10 minutes after half time, though, when a well struck shot by Sneijder from outside the box somehow found its way past Kawashima.
Questions will be asked over the Japanese keeper's role in the goal however, after replays confirmed that the 27-year-old was deceived by the flight of the ball and merely helped to parry the ball into the back of his own net after diving the wrong way.
With the deadlock broken, Japan were eventually forced to come out and attack as the game became increasingly stretched.
The lively Yoshito Okubo was Japan's most dangerous player in the attacking third and managed to test Maarten Stekelenburg on several occasions; but the Netherlands rarely looked out of control.
With five minutes of the match remaining, Ibrahim Afellay created two glorious opportunities seal all three points for his team. However, the winger was denied by Kawashima on both occasions, who by this point had redeemed himself for his earlier blunder.
On the stroke of full time, the Dutch then came perilously close to ruing their wasted chances. Substitute Shinji Okazaki, alert in the box, was presented with a great opportunity to secure an unlikely draw, but his first time shot on his left foot arrowed narrowly over Stekelenburg's crossbar.
On the balance of play, a 1-0 victory for the Oranje was probably a fair result. Van Marwijk's side now sit comfortably at the top of the group; while Japan may have to win their final match against Denmark to advance to the last 16.
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