Saturday, June 5, 2010

Robben a major doubt for World Cup 2010
Dutch winger Arjen Robben is a major doubt for the World Cup finals after limping off during his country's 6-1 friendly rout of Hungary in Amsterdam.


Second-half substitute Robben scored two goals before injuring his hamstring when in possession in the 85th minute.


Coach Bert van Marwijk revealed Robben will undergo a scan on Sunday to determine the extent of the problem.


"He felt a sharp pain," said van Marwijk. "That does not bode well, but I do not lose hope."


Robben has been in top form for German Double winners and losing Champions League finalists Bayern Munich and his absence would be a devastating blow to the Dutch.


The team fly out to South Africa on Saturday night without the former Chelsea and Real Madrid player and Van Marwijk fears the 26-year-old may not even follow his team-mates to the finals.




Robben (centre) limps off at the Amsterdam ArenA
"My first thought was this can't be true, the end the final warm-up match, everyone is fit and then this," he added.


"We now have to wait. I can replace Robben until 24 hours before our opening match but as long as there is hope he recovers in time he will stay in the squad."


The Netherlands open their campaign on 14 June against Denmark, with Japan and Cameroon their other opponents in Group E.


Van Marwijk's side have continued their excellent form from qualifying, when they topped their group with a 100% record, by thrashing Ghana 4-1 in a warm-up match four days ago in Rotterdam before humiliating the Hungarians by an even greater margin.


After Balazs Dzsudzsak had given the visitors a sixth-minute lead, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie drew the sides level before the break.


In the second half, though, it was plain-sailing for the Dutch with goals from Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel and Eljero Elia blowing away their opponents.


However, van Marwijk admitted that the convincing win would be scant consolation if his worst fears over Robben were to be realised.


"I would rather lose this match and have Arjen stay fit," he said.

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