RVP defends Dutch destroyers

Robin van Persie claims Holland were right to adopt strong-arm tactics in the 2010 World Cup final.

The Dutch came in for heavy criticism following their 1-0 defeat to Spain in football's showpiece event as they discarded their usual free-flowing approach in favour of rough and tumble.

A disjointed encounter saw referee Howard Webb brandish 14 yellow cards and send Holland defender John Heitinga for an early bath.

Arsenal striker Van Persie was the first of those to go into the book, setting the tone for what was to follow.

Despite seeing Bert van Marwijk's men widely condemned for their heavy-handed approach, the Gunners ace claims they got their tactics spot on and has refused to apologise for ruining the game as a spectacle.

"People criticised us for our playing style,"said Van Persie.

"It was not as pretty as it used to be with Holland. But my question is: Getting results and reaching the final or playing the beautiful game and getting knocked out in the first round - which would you choose?

Fight

"Just before France had to pack their bags, Patrick Vieira said to me that you don't have to play well in the group stages of a World Cup, not even in the second round.

"Only later do you have to grow as a team and you will reach a high level. That will get you to the final.

"That is exactly the way we did it. Against Brazil in the second half, we were brilliant."

Van Persie added:"I know how difficult it can be to play wonderful football and not get the result you want. I see it at Arsenal more than I want to.

"When we play the likes of Bolton and Blackburn we dominate the game, we play attacking football and they score from a lousy throw-in or an odd corner kick.

"The criticism Holland got in the World Cup I recognise from what we get at Arsenal. It was a final. You don't give up without a fight, do you?"

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