The Netherlands made it through to the quarters after a relatively comfortable win over Slovakia, who coming off the back of their huge scalp against the (former) world champions, failed to offer up any kind of a challenge against this Dutch side, who are looking less and less like the Dutch we know and love to watch.
With Robben back in the starting line-up after a quick recovery things were looking decidedly rosier in the Oranje camp. Slovakia were looking to reach the quarter-finals in what has been an amazing first tournament for them, since they attained independence. It was pretty easy for the Dutch to keep possession of the ball and create chances with Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben all having shots on goal. Robben made his count though, in the 18th minute, and scored a goal that showcased the winger at his very best. Credit must go to Sneijder who sent a long ball forward to release Robben, after the Slovaks had lost control of it on the edge of the Dutch box. Robben used all his skill, trickery and mastery to control the ball, draw in the defenders, cut inside and lash the ball from 22-yards out. Injury? What injury? That was Robben's first goal of the tournament, and I'm sure it won't be his last. Slovakia seemed to have no reply, and didn't really give the Dutch keeper Stekelenburg much to do as the first half came to a close.
With the game still at 1-0 though, there was every chance for Slovakia to get back into the game. However, I could see no way back in for them, unless they had a good set-piece and scored from there. They offered no creative input whatsoever, and made it all too easy for the Dutch who were content to stay at 1-0 and were not really tested. Mucha made some fantastic saves in the second half, to keep Slovakia in the game, but his efforts were not replicated up front as a desperate Vladmir Weiss senior, put goalscoring substitute Kamil Kopunek on to try and get them a goal, as he had done in the Italy game. It was only much later when the Slovakians finally threatened the Dutch - first with Miroslav Stoch whose effort was well-saved by Stekelenburg, who did well to stay alert, despite being a spectator for most of the match. The next chance was definitely one to rue for the Slovaks as Hamsik squared the ball to on-form Robert Vittek, who despite being joint top scorer, was unable to finish the move, kicking the ball straight to the keeper.
With about 5 minutes left, the Dutch made sure that they were going to be heading to the quarters, with a coolly finished goal from Wesley Sneijder. Kuyt initially forced the keeper to commit himself, and Mucha, who had been pretty decent with his saves, committed himself out of his box, allowing Kuyt to unselfishly pass to Sneijder who tucked the ball into an empty net. It was a good job he had scored too, as Slovakia were awarded a penalty in injury time, which could have sent the game into extra time. Vittek was tripped in the area and added to his tally of 3 goals by slotting home from the penalty spot. Ultimately, it was only a consolation but a positive one nonetheless as they headed home, with their heads held high after a great debut to the tournament.
I mentioned before, that the Dutch won in an un-Dutch way. What do I mean by this? Well I've been saying before how we have been waiting for the Dutch to step it up a bit in this competition. Arguably, they've had an easy ride up to now and haven't really come out of fifth gear yet. They haven't really been tested and we haven't seen total football! To be honest though, I don't think we will see it anytime soon either. Why is this? Well, the Dutch seemed to have changed their style of play to better their chances of winning the competition. Remember: they have never won it, but have come damn close to doing so on two occasions in the years of Cruyff, Kluivert and van Basten. The Oranje Army has always been praised for its flamboyant, entertaining, aesthetic football but has been criticised for failing to be clinical or ruthless enough in big competitions i.e. failing to 'win ugly'. This time around though things are different. In fact the coach has been quoted as saying that his side are content to 'win ugly' causing a large amount of criticism in the Dutch press about the way their side has performed so far. Gone are the days of flair, flamboyance and fabulous flourishes. In their place we see rigidity, pragmatism and efficiency. The important thing for the team though is that they have won. Not only have they won all their games in the tournament so far, but also all of their qualifying games too. It is an unbeaten record that stretches 23 games. The 'new' style of play might not be all that we want to see, it might not be pretty but it has certainly been effective...so far.
But the question is: is it better for them this way? Will they be able to win things now? Is it a sacrifice that will benefit them in the long term and bring a future of greater promise? Perhaps. Only time can tell...
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