Late deputy Lens helps Dutch defeat Hungary
Reuters - Tuesday 11 September 2012, 22:28
Winger Jeremain Lens, called
into the team at the last minute after Arjen Robben injured his
groin in the warm-up, struck twice to inspire Netherlands to a
4-1 rout of Hungary in World Cup Group D qualifying on Tuesday.
The Dutch, World Cup runners-up in 2010, have not lost to
Hungary since 1984 and the visitors took the lead in the second
minute when Luciano Narsingh's cross was headed in by Lens.
The home team equalised four minutes later with a penalty
from Balazs Dzsudzsak but Netherlands went back in front in the
18th minute after Bruno Martens glanced in a header from a free-kick by Wesley Sneijder.
It was the defender's first goal for his country on his
third appearance.
A poor defensive header by Akos Elek led to the third Dutch
goal, a lob from PSV Eindhoven winger Lens over keeper Adam
Bogdan.
Substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then completed the scoring
with 17 minutes to go as the Dutch made it two wins from two
qualifying matches.
"I have to highlight Jeremain Lens's performance," Dutch
coach Louis van Gaal told reporters.
"He had an excellent game despite the fact he only got into
the starting XI just before the match started."
Hungary coach Sandor Egervari conceded his team were second
best throughout.
"We made far too many individual errors and our opponents
deserved the three points," he said.
"We've got to win our next two matches to stay in contention
for second place in the group."
Hungary opened their campaign with a 5-0 win in Andorra on
Friday.