Few players or coaches for that matter have the talent or ability to turn the face of any game and inspire a win when the odds are against them. Messi, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (Brazil), Mourinho and Bob Bradley are just a few people who belong to this special niche. However, after the Netherlands 2-1 win over Cameroon last night, one more name was added to the growing list.
Arjen Robben the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and current Bayern Munich star player proved to the 63,093 fans present in Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium and the billions watching around the world what happens when opportunity and preparation along with a stroke of creative genius does when mixed together.
Robben is largely responsible for Holland’s win which kept their perfect Group E record intact. Huntelaar might have scored the goal but credit goes to Robben for creating the opportunity.
Making his first appearance for Oranje in the tournament, the 26 year old came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute to a rapturous vuvuzela reception. Rafael Van Der Vaart was the player sacrificed after his handball in the penalty area allowed Cameroon to draw level through an Eto’o penalty in the 65th minute.
If last night’s game is anything to go by, then this might be the year Holland ends it’s poor World Cup run by winning the elusive trophy on July the 11th. We all know about the fantastic 1998 squad that had the likes of Kluivert, Overmas, Cocu, the De Boer brothers e.t.c and although this squad might not measure up in talent, they are more than capable of earning their first star.
With Robben back to form, Holland have in their ranks one of the tournament’s deadliest and talented players.
Photo Credit: from Arjen Robben1
