Relieved Robben answers critics in style
Reuters - Thursday 01 March 2012, 12:42
Arjen Robben provided an
emphatic response to his critics with a match-winning
performance against England on Wednesday.
The Netherlands winger, whose season at German side Bayern
Munich has been plagued by poor form and injuries, was the
outstanding player at Wembley, scoring twice to help his team to
a 3-2 victory over their hosts.
He gave the Dutch the lead with a solo effort after half-time
and struck again with a classy curled finish in stoppage-time
after England had fought back from 2-0 down.
It was a welcome tonic for Robben in only his second
appearance for his country since helping the Dutch reach the
2010 World Cup final.
"I could say, I don't care and I read or hear nothing, but
you can't avoid it," Robben said of the critics in Germany who
have included Bayern Munich's Franz Beckenbauer.
"It is not always a pleasure, especially because in my
opinion it is not justified. If I play bad you may criticise me,
but in Germany it is personal warfare."
"Besides the agitation and dirty games that have been
played, it is a waste that I didn't get a chance to maintain my
rhythm for three matches," added Robben who has been struggling
with a succession of injuries.
Robben also hinted at a strained relationship with the
Bayern coaching staff.
"It feels great to train and play with the Dutch again," he
said. "It's been a tough time at the club but then this feels
like it should be.
"The first goal was a good recovery from Nigel [de Jong] and
then I stepped on my scooter.
"It might have something to do with working under a coach
who has confidence in you and just tells you to feel free and
play your game."
Robben said he hoped his performance would have registered
back in Bavaria.
"They will have watched the Germany versus France game, but
I will take a DVD with me," he said. "But I have to behave
decent and just show it on the pitch."
While the Dutch sloppily allowed England back after surging
2-0 ahead, coach Bert Van Marwijk was happy to post a win after
disappointing friendlies against Switzerland and Germany.
"This was important for the whole team that we won here
after two poor matches," he said. "It wasn't a perfect match but
gives us confidence."