Holland winger Arjen Robben has admitted that he feels hurt after missing a golden chance in Sunday's World Cup final.
Holland star haunted by failure to beat Casillas
Holland winger Arjen Robben has admitted that he feels hurt after missing a golden chance in Sunday's World Cup final.
Robben had an opportunity to give his side a 1-0 lead when Wesley Sneijder's ball sent him through on goal with only Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas to beat.
But the Bayern Munich star saw his shot clip the leg of Casillas before bouncing wide of the post.
It would prove to be the most clear-cut chance during normal time as Andres Iniesta eventually settled the contest with a clinical finish deep into extra-time.
And as the Holland squad arrived back home to be honoured by Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Queen Beatrix, Robben admitted to being haunted by thoughts of the opportunity.
"On a day like today, I think about it a lot. It hurts to miss such a chance," he said.
Honours
Coach Bert van Marwijk, who was knighted along with captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst for his role in the World Cup campaign, says his thoughts are also being dominated by near misses.
"It is increasingly going through my head, we were so close. We had to win," he is quoted as saying by
AD Sportwereld.
Holland have faced criticism for their aggressive tactics in the final but Prime Minister Balkenende took the opportunity to pay tribute to the squad.
He said: "The Dutch team had balance. They were a strong team, mentally and physically. It was a team that was close and harmonious.
"It was a disciplined collective with a mission, with full resilience, fighting spirit and confidence.
"Look how far that attitude brought us. That is worth a great compliment, to the players and also to the staff, led by Bert van Marwijk.
"It had an impact on the country. Oranje was one, and the Netherlands stood as one behind Oranje."
