FIFA World Cup 2010: Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia - Full Time Review
Robben and Sneijder scored, as the Dutch continued their 100% winning record in the World Cup. Netherlands started as favourites in this game, where a spot in the quarterfinals was up for grabs. There was good news for the Dutch ahead of the match, as Arjen Robben was fit and started the game. Slovakia were looking to cause an upset in a World Cup that has seen the likes of France, Italy and England already eliminated - and we haven't even reached the quarterfinals yet.
Slovakia were faster off the blocks and only had to wait 2 minutes for their first opportunity, as Jendrisek's shot just went over the bar from about 20 yards. Slovakia have already upset a European giant, Italy, but this was a completely different prospect.
The Dutch started to come back into the game as the half wore on. Van Persie should really have done better with his chance in the 8th minute, when he failed to hit the target from a close-range header. The ball took a deflection, though, and the referee awarded the Netherlands a corner which was defended well by the Slovaks.
It took Arjen Robben only 18 minutes to make his mark on the match in his first start of the World Cup. He scored a magnificent goal that has become his trademark, cutting inside two players before hitting a low shot past the Slovak Goalkeeper, Mucha, who could do nothing about it. An excellent pass by Sneijder in the build-up but there was still a lot of work to be done and Robben showed his class to make it 1-0 for the Netherlands.
The Slovaks tried to bring themselves back into the game, but they lacked penetration and even a one goal lead looked like it was going to be too much for them to overcome.
Robben was, perhaps a little harshly, booked in the 30th minute for a handball. The referee ought to be more careful before handing out cards, especially since suspensions can really damage a team's hopes in the tournament.
The referee blew the half-time whistle with the score at 1-0. The Dutch, pleased with their efforts so far, were looking to secure the win by adding another goal or two. The Slovaks, on the other hand, had a mountain to climb as they were looking to turn around the match against truly a world class opposition.
The second half started with a string of excellent saves by the Slovak goalkeeper, Mucha. The first was from Robben, who seized on a stray clearance by the Slovaks and cut inside similar to the first goal and hit a powerful shot towards goal. Mucha had to use all of his agility to stop the ball from nestling in the back of the net.
Another great save from the Slovak goalkeeper came a few minutes later, as this time Van Bommel's shot from inside the penalty area was blocked by Mucha. Slovakia were hanging in by the skin of their teeth at this time, with a Dutch goal looking inevitable. They had a few chances of their own too but the Dutch goalkeeper, Stekelenburg, saved a strong goal-bound shot from Stoch. In the very next minute, he made another great stop, this time denying Vittek, who had a clear shot on goal but his shot was close to the Dutch goalkeeper and he managed to push it away.
Robben was substituted in the 71st minute, which was probably a precaution by the Dutch coach due to the winger's well-documented problems with muscle injuries. However, even with this performance, he cemented his place among the most dangerous players in the World Cup this year.
The Slovaks grew frustrated as the game wore off and the resulting indiscipline was responsible for them conceding the second goal of the game which effectively put the tie to bed. Skrtel started arguing with the referee about a decision. In the meantime, the Dutch showed presence of mind to take a quick free-kick which Kuyt took past the goalkeeper before laying it off for Sneijder, who made no mistake with the finish to make it 2-0 to the Dutch.
The Dutch maintained their composure, despite a late consolation goal for the Slovaks from a penalty which was disposed by Vittek, to book their place in the quarterfinals where they will face either Brazil or Chile.
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