Robben Returns Triumphantly as the Netherlands Sink Slovakia
Monday marked star winger Arjen Robben's return to the Netherlands starting 11. Robben wasted no time in proving his value as he scored the game's first goal and the Oranje ended Slovakia's World Cup dreams with a 2-1 win.
The Netherlands are one of the only two teams in the World Cup, along with Argentina, that have won all four of their games so far.
This Round of 16 match-up saw two completely different approaches by the two teams. On the one hand, the Netherlands were in control and played a patient, passing game and awaited their opportunities. On the other hand, the upstart Slovaks, feeling the momentum of their recent upset over the 2006 Champions in Italy, took to the game early on. Slovakia's attack relied heavily on Robert Vittek, who has finished his World Cup run with four goals. The Netherlands shut Slovakia down until literally the very last seconds as Vittek converted a penalty to finish the game. It was too little too late though.
Robben made a great return from his calf injury. He was a thorn in Slovakia's side for the 60 minutes that he was on the pitch before being replaced. He caused nightmares for the defence all game and played a crucial part in the Netherland’s victory.
The Oranje had their problems getting through the Slovakian defense, much like Italy last week, as they were forced into long range shots that didn't trouble the goalkeeper Jan Mucha. Sneijder sailed his chance way off the target and Dirk Kuyt just missed the post.
Sneijder got a chance ten minutes into the game, but it wasn't the best of efforts as he was set up in the 18-yard area by Robin van Persie. The Inter Milan forward was unable to test Mucha as the shot went right into his hands.
Sneijder and Robben, who were opponents in the Champions League final, settled in quite well together. In the 18th minute, Sneijder found Bayern Munich's Robben, and the winger sped his way past two defenders and slid the ball into the net on the near side.
The Dutch seemed comfortable with the lead and did not build on it into the half. Van Persie had a chance to extend the lead before the half, but his close-range shot from Mark van Bommel's cross missed the target.
The Slovaks came out after the break looking hungry for the equalizer, but the more talented Netherlands team were in command. Goalkeeper Mucha was tested on two occasions early on but kept the lead at one.
Mucha faced a tough shot from Robben but made a great one-handed save. Van Bommel soon took a close-range shot but Mucha was able to deny the Dutch yet again.
Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was not the busiest of goalies. He was only tested first in the 65th minute by palming over Stoch's 20-yard strike. Slovakia quickly got a chance to draw level, but Vittek's shot was parried by the keeper and the Dutch stayed in the lead.
Sneijder constantly gave the Slovaks a scare. His free kick found Kuyt's head, but the header went just over the net. The Netherlands finally put the game away in the 84th minute when Kuyt found Sneijder 15 yards from the net and the winger buried it home to put the game out of reach.
To Slovakia's credit, they didn't give up and were awarded a penalty in the dying seconds. Vittek ended his tournament on a high note as he scored on the penalty. But, it just wasn't enough.
Slovakia now head home after a good showing for their country. The Netherlands will now face a showdown with South American football giants Brazil in what will surely be an interesting quarter-final match.
Tags: