END OF THE ROAD
Robben quits as spirited Dutch fail to reach daunting seven-goal target
No miracle, then. Holland did not come back from the brink, and after the final whistle Arjen Robben announced his international retirement.
As the victors savoured the applause from 3,000 travelling fans, Robben set off on a postmatch lap of honour with his children and the match ball.
‘It’s a good time to pass the torch to the next generation,’ said the Bayern Munich forward. ‘We knew we didn’t have a chance but it was an amazing game. It hasn’t been an easy decision but I am 33 and must give my full focus to my club.’
At 33, the last of the Dutch masters still standing has earned a break from carrying this team. Dick Advocaat’s side gave it a good go, especially in the first half, free from any weight of expectation and with Robben producing a sublime reminder of his qualities.
But a home attack led by Tottenham misfit Vincent Janssen could not plunder seven goals against Sweden, who move into the play-offs.
In truth, this oranje arrived pre- crushed, out of the World Cup before the party started and sparking a cascade of questions, not least who provides the techno in Russia.
Ultimately, they have been ousted by losing twice to France, once to Bulgaria and not scoring enough against the Belarus or Luxembourg.
They drew in Sweden and beat them last night to finish level on points.
No-one came to the Amsterdam Arena to vent their anger on the first Holland team to miss the World Cup finals since 2002. Some came out of habit, head-to-toe in orange, as ever, and some came in tribute to Robben on his 96th and final appearance for his country.
He set out to lead with courage last night, demanding the ball and running at the Swedes, winning free-kicks and taking them.
He missed the game’s first chance, heading over, before converting a penalty awarded when Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof somehow contrived to kick the ball into his own hand.
Robben’s dink from the spot was not a clean connection but it found a way past goalkeeper Robin olsen.
No-one came in expectation of a famous goal-rush but they saw some spirit from their team. ‘Roar like a lion, fight like a beast’ read one banner.
The damage was already done and the further pain of an early goal by Luxembourg against Bulgaria did not escape those present. Sweden’s eight goals against Luxembourg on Saturday put them in control of the runners-up spot in Group A.
The comfort of knowing anything less than a seven-goal defeat in Amsterdam was good enough, coupled with Holland’s frenzied mood, seemed to leave Jan Andersson’s Swedes unsure of how to play it.
Kenny Tete fired over when he should have scored the second and olsen kept out Ryan Babel, then Janssen.
Five minutes before half-time Robben pounced again with a wonderful first- time strike, flashed in at terrific pace from the edge of the penalty area with his left foot. The goal was his 37th for Holland and put him level with Dennis Bergkamp. only Robin van Persie, Klaas- Jan Huntelaar and Patrick Kluivert have more.
Sweden returned after the break with their composure restored. Win in the play- offs and they reach the World Cup for the first time since 2006.