Winger Robben on the mark as Holland defeat Wales
Holland are in the Group of Death with Italy, France, and Romania
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Sunday, 01, Jun 2008 04:18
Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben was on the scoresheet as Holland beat Wales 2-0 in a friendly at the De Kuip stadium.
Robben and Real Madrid team-mate Wesley Sneijder netted either side of half-time. It is the first time the Welsh have conceded in five internationals.
Jason Koumas skippered a young Welsh side that included Sam Ricketts and Toronto FC's Carl Robinson, while the Dutch were without Liverpool's Ryan Babel who has torn ankle ligaments with Arsenal's Robin Van Persie left out.
Marco Van Basten's men, in their final warm-up before Euro 2008, looked dangerous in the opening stages with Demy De Zeeuw dragging a shot wide while goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey produced a fine low to keep out Sneijder's free-kick on 14 minutes.
The home side eventually broke the deadlock ten minutes before the break when Robben latched onto a poor back header from Robinson and fired the ball past Hennessey.
John Toshack's side wasted two glorious chances to level before half-time when Freddie Eastwood shot straight at Edwin Van der Sar, while Chris Gunter could only head into the side-netting after the Manchester United keeper flapped at a cross.
Holland made a similarly explosive start to the second half with Robben blazing over after a mazy run.
And they deserved to double their lead on 54 minutes when Sneijder curled in a stunning free-kick from 30 yards.
Craig Bellamy came on midway through the second half and came close to reducing the deficit when his low shot was parried by Van der Sar.
Hennessey was a star performer for the Welsh and denied Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink after the Celtic striker volleyed towards goal in stoppage time.
Holland were unable to add to their tally and will need to be more clinical in front of goal when they kick-off their Euro 2008 campaign against Italy on June 9th.