Expert Blogs

I am prepared to give the Netherlands, in general, and Robin van Persie in particular, the benefit of the doubt. Holland's unblemished march to the World Cup Final has to be admired. I just wish the margin of victory had not left a quizzical taste in the mouth.

While I was still trying to decide whether Holland's second goal was somewhat fortuitous, they scored a third so it no longer mattered. A double whammy in three pivotal second half minutes killed off a spirited but doomed Uruguayan effort.

Or so we thought. The South Americans left it terminally late before reintroducing the drama in stoppage time, temporarily suspending premature Dutch celebrations. For a few agonizing seconds the Netherlands wobbled as an entire nation screamed at the referee to blow his final whistle.

When it came, relief was the first emotion. Almost immediately it was swept away by a tidal wave of rejoicing, unless, of course, you were watching the match in Montevideo.

Uruguay just about has a case. It was close -- very close -- but there was at least a hint of offside about Wesley Sneijder's game changing goal. Van Persie's muted celebration appeared to be one of a player who just caught a break rather than of one who could see a path to the World Cup Final.

Perhaps I'm just nitpicking. Frankly, we've all seen enough controversial officiating at this World Cup to keep us debating for months, perhaps years, to come. This was probably too close to call but I'd be surprised if Uruguay doesn't feel somewhat aggrieved.

From a neutral perspective, the better team won. Good as Diego Forlan was at the World Cup, a Dutch victory gives me, and many others, the chance to see Sneijder and Arjen Robben one last time in the biggest game of all.

Given his starting situation, Robben's contribution has been immense. Let's not forget he was nursing a hamstring injury on arrival in South Africa and played virtually no part in the group stages. He took precisely 10 minutes, on his return, to set up the winner against Cameroon.

While flair catches the eye, steel allows it to flourish. Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong and others have done the necessary dirty work to keep the Dutch driving in the right direction. The work rate of Dirk Kuyt, for example, is a lesson to all young professionals.

Coach Bert van Marwijk must also be lauded for his man management. He has found a winning formula both on and off the pitch. Holland has always had talent often undermined by temperament. Van Marwijk has nipped divisions in the bud and refocused the roster. 

The Netherlands are the only team to have won every game in South Africa. A seventh victory on Sunday would ensure a new name is added to the others on the base of the FIFA World Cup trophy. In a way it would be fitting in a country so steeped in Dutch history.

It may not be the vintage 'total football' of the 1970's but, then again, Johan Cruyff never won the World Cup. The 2010 edition of 'Oranje' just might.