The Netherlands rounded off their World Cup preparations with a 6-1 demolition of Hungary on Saturday, but an injury to star winger Arjen Robben brought the game to a muted finish
The Netherlands rounded off their World Cup preparations with a 6-1 demolition of Hungary on Saturday, but an injury to star winger Arjen Robben brought the game to a muted finish.
The home side were caught cold early on, with Balasz Dzsudszak finishing a sixth-minute counter-attack to put the world's 57th-ranked nation 1-0 up after Netherlands left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst was caught out of position.
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| Arjen Robben lies on the ground after injuring his thigh on Saturday PIC/AFP |
The goal highlighted the hosts' defensive frailties but they possess a stellar attack and drew level in the 22nd minute when Dirk Kuyt set up in-form Robin van Persie for the equaliser. Wesley Sneijder put the Netherlands ahead in the 56th minute when he converted Giovanni van Bronckhorst's centre from close range and it was then that the floodgates opened.
Robben, who came on as a second half substitute, played on his preferred right flank and claimed Holland's third and sixth goals. His Bayern Munich team-mate Mark van Bommel and Hamburg winger Eljero Elia were on target in between the German Player of the Year's two strikes.
Buddle of joy for USEdson Buddle's first two international goals helped United States beat Australia 3-1 as both teams' played their final World Cup warm-up match yesterday.
The LA Galaxy striker scored twice in the first half with substitute Herculez Gomez adding a third in stoppage time after Tim Cahill had levelled in the first half.
USA went ahead after four minutes when Vince Grella dwelt too long on the ball which was stolen from him by Buddle. The striker took three steps and unleashed a perfect right-foot shot that easily beat Mark Schwarzer.
