Netherlands edge past United States
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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Netherlands 2-1 United States
A Dirk Kuyt penalty, the hosts' first goal in four internationals, and a landmark strike by Klaas Jan Huntelaar earned the hosts victory.
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Netherlands 2-1 United States
Dirk Kuyt ended the Netherlands' goal drought as the Oranje defeated fellow FIFA World Cup finalists the United States in Amsterdam.
The Liverpool FC forward's spot kick, awarded after Jonathan Bornstein halted Wesley Sneijder's run into the penalty area with five minutes of the first half remaining, ended the hosts' run of three successive goalless draws since defeating Scotland in September. Kuyt started ahead of Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who doubled the lead 17 minutes from time having replaced Arjen Robben at the break.
The AC Milan striker beat Tim Howard with a deflected shot which not only increased his tally to 15 in 30 international appearances, but also brought up the 1400 goal mark in Oranje history. Carlos Bocanegra struck a consolation for the visitors with a minute remaining, depriving Bert van Marwijk's team of a sixth consecutive clean sheet.