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Van Nistelrooy scores winning goal (PSV.nl)

28 mei 2006 - Source: PSV.nl

This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored the only goal of the game as Holland beat Cameroon 1-0 in the first of three World Cup warm-up friendlies in Rotterdam on Saturday night. Unlike the Dutch, the African side had failed to qualify for the World Cup. Ruud van NistelrooyPSV players Phillip Cocu and André Ooijer both started in Rotterdam. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink did not leave the bench. Mark van Bommel was also given a place in the starting XI. Cameroon did not field their star player Samuel Eto'o, the African football player of the year. Holland had a bright start and got several chances to score an early opening goal. Robin van Persie, who had surprisingly been included in the starting line up, was a constant menace for his marker. He superbly set up striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, but Carlos Kameni did well to deny him. One minute later Cocu earned a great opportunity, but he had his effort thwarted by the Cameroon keeper as well. The hosts broke the deadlock in 23 minutes. Andre Ooijer picked up a 40-yard pass from Cocu and headed the ball into the path of Van Nistelrooy, who did not fail to score from close range. It was his 26th goal from 50 appearances. The Dutch team continued to dominate proceedings and it was not until the last minute of the first half that goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was really tested and produced a wonderful save. Red cardAfter the interval the game pulsated from end to end and the visitors also earned a few chances. While the rained kept on pouring down, the hosts hardly ever threatened and the game was less eventful. Some fifteen minutes from final time Van Nistelrooy and Cocu were taken off and Dirk Kuyt and Denny Landzaat left the bench to replace them. Ryan Babel was also granted some playing time. The Ajax forward took over from Arjen Robben. The Dutch did not put in a great second half performance, but that may be due to the fact they worked very hard at training the past week. Moreover, Cameroon played a very physical game at times and they had Alioum Saidou sent off in the closing stages. All in all the Dutch pulled off a fine victory. They will face Mexico in another warm-up friendly in Eindhoven next Thursday.