Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has hailed Arjen Robben after his side's 2-1 triumph over Slovakia yesterday.
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has hailed Arjen Robben after his side's 2-1 triumph over Slovakia yesterday.Earning his first start at this World Cup having recovered from a calf injury, Robben inspired Holland to victory.
The Bayern Munich winger struck a superb goal in the 18th minute as his team progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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| Holland's Arjen Robben (right)
celebrates the opening goal against Slovakia yesterday. |
"I am so pleased that Robben is fit again," said Van Marwijk. "He was decisive for us. It was important that he played for 70 minutes and I think for him he has just passed that fear factor having recently returned from injury."
Van Marwijk also showered Holland goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with praise.
Stekelenburg made a great save from Robert Vittek's close-range strike in the 66th minute to deny Slovakia an equaliser before Wesley Sneijder doubled Holland's lead six minutes from time.
The Ajax man did, though, concede a penalty at the death to hand Slovakia a consolation goal.
"He made a great save," said Van Marwijk. "It proved crucial because Slovakia were gaining confidence as we failed to find our second goal in the second half.
"As for the penalty, I didn't think it was one but it doesn't matter because I think our defence has done a great job so far."
Holland have given away just two goals in the tournament and Van Marwijk is pleased with his team's performance.
"I think we deserved to win this match," he said.
"I can't be unhappy with our performance.
"We did rather well, especially in the second half.
