Tue, June 29, 2010
With a 2-1 victory, their fourth win at the World Cup, the Netherlands progessed to a quarter-final match against Brazil. Jon Decker reports.
Orange was the color of victory in South Africa Monday as the Netherlands beat Slavakia 2-1 in a second round World Cup match in Durban.
In the game's 18th minute, Arjen Robben making his first start after suffering a hamstring injury, put the Dutch on top as he slammed in a left-footed shot past a helpless Slovak goalkeeper.
That led to a celebration on the field and at barsin the Netherlands - like this one in the Hague.
The Dutch got an insurance goal in the game's 84th minute.
And in extra time, Slovakia grabbed a late consolation goal through a Robert Vittek penalty kick as Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg dove the wrong way.
The result led to a mass celebration by thousands of Dutch fans - leaving the stadium.
(SOUNDBITE)(Dutch) DUTCH FAN, MARCEL, SAYING:
"I don't think we were ever really in trouble. I don't think Holland is playing to its full potential, but that's because they don't have to, the opponents are not yet strong enough, but it will be different in the next game."
That next game -- against tournament favorite Brazil -- takes place Friday- with the winner moving on to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Jon Decker, Reuters.
