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The Dutch team earned an emphatic and impressive victory against Croatia at the Poljud Stadium in Split on Wednesday night. John Heitinga, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored goals to secure a 3-0 win. PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who came on ten minutes after the break, put on a commanding display setting up the third goal.
With a packed midfield full of touch, strength and determination, Van Basten's men responded well to the new 4-2-3-1 system. They won most challenges in midfield, switched quickly from defence to attack and scored goals at appropriate moments.
Marco van Basten's team took the lead after nine minutes when Heitinga headed in Wesley Sneijder's deep free-kick. Holland doubled their lead eight minutes from the break, when former AZ left back Tim de Cler delivered a perfect pass for Klaas Jan Huntelaar to slot home from close range, putting the ball through the legs of Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. The home side's defence was caught napping at both goals unlike the Dutch defenders who did not concede any space.
After the break the Croatians surged forward, but the goal was scored at the other end. Substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink sealed victory for the Netherlands five minutes from time, one minute after he had been brought on as a substitute. Afellay turned provider for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who slid the ball home from close range. The Dutch team will be next in action on 26 March when they take Austria in an international friendly.
