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A second-half strike from former PSV midfielder Mark van Bommel gave Holland a 1-0 victory against Norway on Wednesday night. The Oranje, who included Dirk Marcellis in their starting line-up and brought on Ibrahim Afellay as a substitute early in the game, held on for a deserved win on a slippery pitch.
Ibrahim Afellay
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk was forced to make an early substitution. Striker Ryan Babel hobbled off the pitch after he had picked up an ankle knock. Afellay replaced him and the young PSV midfielder played on the left flank. Holland dominated the game but the hosts threatened with set pieces, in particular when John Carew was involved. The tall striker evaded his markers André Ooijer and Joris Mathijsen a few times. The visitors did not create chances, but Afellay came close to scoring the opener on the stroke of half-time, but he sent an effort wide. His PSV team mate Dirk Marcellis put in another solid defensive display.
Van Bommel goal
After the break, the Norwegians pressed forward for twenty minutes and Holland were made to defend deeply. Klaas Jan Huntelaar had made way for Robin van Persie and Holland fought themselves back into the game. Dirk Kuyt hit the crossbar and minutes later the deadlock was broken. A corner was cleared but the ball fell to Van Bommel, who unleashed a powerful shot from some twenty yards that left Norway keeper Knudsen with no chance; 0-1. With 25 minutes remaining, the hosts surged forward in a bid to score an equaliser and had some efforts on target, but Holland keeper Edwin van der Sar was not impressed. sc Heerenveen player Tarik El Younoussi went down in the area, but referee Konrad Pleutz waved play on. At the other end, Van Bommel and Afellay had chances as Holland held on for another three points, making it three wins out of three. Holland are still at the top of Group 9, holding a five-point advantage over nearest rivals Scotland. Holland will be next in action on 28 March 2009 when they play host to Scotland at the Amsterdam ArenA in a World Cup qualifier.
Match stats:
Venue: Ullevaal, Oslo (Norway).
Goals: (62) Van Bommel 0-1.
Yellow cards: Hangeland, Hauger (Norway).
Holland line-up:
Van der Sar, Marcellis, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Van Bommel, De Zeeuw, Kuijt, Van der Vaart (75, Sneijder), Babel (25, Afellay) and Huntelaar (56, Van Persie).
Substitutes: Timmer, Kromkamp, De Cler, Engelaar, Van Persie, Afellay and Sneijder.
