Football Frenzy

Robin van Persie pleased with two-goal return from injury for Holland

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/27/robin-van-persie-holland-world-cup


In the friendly match between Holland and Mexico, Robin van Persie proved his worth as an attacker by scoring both goals for the Dutch team. He suffered from several injuries in the past several years, and though they have not completely cured, he seems to be fit enough to compete in the World Cup 2010, starting in June. In the first half, Holland was by far the better team, constantly keeping high pressure on Mexico’s defence. This paid of with two goals, one in the 17th minute and one just before the half time break. Two excellent crosses from midfielders Ibrahim Afellay and Rafael van der Vaart provided Holland with goal scoring opportunities. After the break the Dutch players were unable to keep up their good form. Mexico was the better team during the second half but only scored once and so the match ended in a 2-1 victory for Holland. According to Hollands’s manager Bert van Marwijk the frugal second half was because of the heavy training sessions of his team this week. And after all, it was just an exhibition game. The real matches won’t start until June 11.

It is always fascinating to see what happens in the weeks before a World Cup, not to mention the tournament itself. Teams are composed, strategies invented and opponents are closely monitored. The ‘Oranje gekte’ and similar foreign phenomena flare up and cause football to be the conversation of the day in nearly every country that participates. I like the fact that English newspapers like the guardian report about what the Dutch national football team does and what their views on it are. My own vision is always slightly blurred because of patriotic so it’s a good thing to here some opinions from other countries. Apart from keeping an eye on the competition, a reason for the attention might be that a lot of Dutch footballers and coaches are active in other countries such as England like Van Persie playing for Arsenal. I’m looking forward to see what both England and Holland will achieve this tournament.