vagi@vagi

☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★May 22

Robben still absent Van Persie erratic, missing chances with the regularity of a man allergic to finishing Kuyt’s overhead kick was the most spectacular Dutch effort of the first half Japan were genuinely decent Honda threatened and Matsui forced Stekelenburg into action Then Tulio misjudged a clearance Van Persie found Sneijder who drives it through Kawashima, Kawashima then saved Afellay twice in the final minutes diving brilliantly at his feet Netherlands became the first team to qualify for the knockouts Narrative: 2.2 Tactics: 3 Chances: 2.8 Goals: 2.1 Drama: 2.4 2.5/5

Player of the match

Eiji Kawashima

Japan