Post by 7even on May 27, 2006 23:52:30 GMT
Ruud van Nistelrooy proved his well-being with the only goal in Holland's 1-0 win over Cameroon.
The Manchester United striker is facing an uncertain club future, but he shrugged off the speculation to fire his country to victory.
He pounced in typically predatory fashion midway through the first half to hand the Dutch a boost ahead of the World Cup.
Robin van Persie started for the hosts in Rotterdam and was a constant torment to the opposition, helping to create an early chance for van Nistelrooy which was saved.
The Arsenal attacker also teed up Philip Cocu for an opportunity before Holland took the lead on 23 minutes.
Cocu's raking ball picked out Andre Ooijer and he headed into the path of van Nistelrooy to finish from close range.
Holland's only real scare came just before half time when Edwin van der Sar produced a fine reaction save to thwart Achille Webo.
Cameroon finished the game with 10 men after having Alioum Saidou sent off five minutes from time.
Marco van Basten's men will continue their preparations for next month's tournament in Germany with friendlies against Mexico and Australia.
In the finals, Holland are in the 'Group of Death' and will face Serbia & Montenegro, Ivory Coast and Argentina.
--------------------------------
Go on Son, silence those critics.
The Manchester United striker is facing an uncertain club future, but he shrugged off the speculation to fire his country to victory.
He pounced in typically predatory fashion midway through the first half to hand the Dutch a boost ahead of the World Cup.
Robin van Persie started for the hosts in Rotterdam and was a constant torment to the opposition, helping to create an early chance for van Nistelrooy which was saved.
The Arsenal attacker also teed up Philip Cocu for an opportunity before Holland took the lead on 23 minutes.
Cocu's raking ball picked out Andre Ooijer and he headed into the path of van Nistelrooy to finish from close range.
Holland's only real scare came just before half time when Edwin van der Sar produced a fine reaction save to thwart Achille Webo.
Cameroon finished the game with 10 men after having Alioum Saidou sent off five minutes from time.
Marco van Basten's men will continue their preparations for next month's tournament in Germany with friendlies against Mexico and Australia.
In the finals, Holland are in the 'Group of Death' and will face Serbia & Montenegro, Ivory Coast and Argentina.
--------------------------------
Go on Son, silence those critics.
