As always Netherlands went trough the group stage with perfection, they won all 3 matches, which is not strange for them, in EURO 08 2 years ago they also won all 3 matches in a group. Slovakia had a bit of different life in group stage. They lost 0:2 from Paraguay and drew 1:1 against New Zealand but then in their last match they beat Italy with 3:2 and that win sent them here where they are now, in 1/8 finals of World Cup 2010.
Netherlands are not underestimating their Europe rivals, they are aware that Slovakia is not a fast food meal for them.
Here’s what Robin Van Persie said: “Slovakia will be tough, they showed really good spirt and hung in there against Italy and it was a great result for their country. So far, it’s looking good for us, but we can still improve on bits and pieces.” Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk added: “This is an opponent we must not underestimate. We cannot be nonchalant.”
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Slovakian striker Robert Vittek, who scored two goals in his team’s win over Italy, said that the game against the Azzurri had “really pushed the limits of Slovak football”.
“Beforehand we couldn’t have dreamt about this, I’m so happy, we showed everything that we’re capable of in achieving this,” he said. “We’ve got nothing to lose, we came here as outsiders and newcomers and we wanted to surprise people. We’ve done it once and we hope to do it again. We hope to play against Holland in the way we played (against Italy), but they are one of the favourites.”
The Netherlands were boosted by the return against Cameroon of star winger Arjen Robben, who made his South Africa 2010 bow as a late substitute after missing their opening two matches with a hamstring injury. If there were any lingering doubts over his injury, Robben erased them in emphatic style with a trademark contribution to the Netherlands’ winning goal, slamming a shot against the post with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar burying the rebound.
“We made it clear at the start that we would be taking this tournament one challenge at a time, and now we will focus on Slovakia and Slovakia alone,” said Robben. “I’m already looking forward to it.” FIFA news
