Dutch scrape narrow win

Netherlands 1-0 United States
Arjen Robben's solo effort gave Dick Advocaat's side a narrow win against their dogged visitors in the Amsterdam ArenA.

Strong opponents
With Germany, the Czech Republic and Latvia awaiting them in Group D in Portugal, Advocaat had stressed the importance of preparing with games against strong opposition, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists certainly did not disappoint.

Inspired Reyna
As in Korea/Japan, Bruce Arena's side put the emphasis unashamedly on defensive discipline. Captain Claudio Reyna, at the heart of the visitors' midfield, repeatedly thwarted the hosts' first-half attempts to unlock a determined defence.

First chance
Some of Reyna's team-mates found it less easy to settle, however. A mis-hit pass by Bobby Convey provided Andy van der Meyde with the game's first chance, but the winger, released unmarked down the right, failed to test Kasey Keller in goal after seizing the loose ball.

Arena content
US caution meant chances were few and far between at either end in the first half, with the visitors' only real effort an opportunistic lob by the busy Eddie Lewis from 40 metres after Edwin van der Sar's hashed clearance. Nevertheless, the overly patient approach play of the Dutch suited the disciplined Americans - if not the home support - perfectly.

Ruud frustrated
Ruud van Nistelrooij was marshalled keenly by the imposing Cory Gibbs, and though the striker was unfortunate to be adjudged offside before driving in after 12 minutes, he picked up the game's first caution after fisting in Sneijder's whipped free-kick on 36 minutes.

Stam's burst
That the Netherlands' best first-half opening, hit straight at a relieved Keller from ten metres out by Rafael van der Vaart, followed Jaap Stam's burst from the back which ended only at the US by-line spoke volumes for the solid job Arena's side did of stifling their hosts' undoubted creative quality.

Deadlock broken
The Dutch emerged the more adventurous after the break, though, and Robben finally broke the deadlock with a goal all of his own making. He nodded Wilfred Bouma's chipped pass inside his marker on the left touchline before cutting in and smashing it past Keller from deep inside the area.

Keepers busy
Predictably, the goal brought both sides out of their shells. A second nearly followed just minutes later when Roy Makaay, one of three attacking changes made by Advocaat at half-time, tested Keller down to his right, while Van der Sar was quick to cut out Convey's threat after a clever nod on by lively substitute DaMarcus Beasley at the other end.

Late scare
And though the Dutch had chances of their own late on, it was Beasley who came closer still to levelling the scores, testing Van der Sar himself after racing beyond Stam.