Robben can be star man for Holland should RVP miss out
Published:Robin van Persie’s participation in Holland’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina was thrown into doubt with the news the Manchester United man missed training because of a stomach bug.
The 30-year-old’s absence would be a huge blow to Louis van Gaal’s side as they bid to reach back-to-back World Cup finals.
But in the absence of their captain, Arjen Robben could be the Oranje’s star man and Ladbrokes have reacted by pricing up the Bayern Munich star to score the first goal of the game at 7/1.
The Dutch winger has been one of the stars of the World Cup so far, scoring three goals in his side’s march to the semi-finals.
The former Chelsea man set his side on the way to victory against the Socceroos with the first goal of the game and his pace and goal threat could be the key once again against Argentina.
But with Van Gaal revealing RVP’s stomach bug is unlikely to keep him out of the clash in Sao Paulo the 4/1 on the former Arsenal striker to finally break his knockout phase hoodoo and Holland to win could be more appealing.
Holland have an excellent record against South American teams in the World Cup having lost just two of 12 matches.
The European nation’s record against Argentina also makes excellent reading as they have lost just one game – the 1978 World Cup final – against La Albiceleste.
The Flying Dutchmen have won four and drawn three of their previous encounters with Argentina but one concern for the Dutch will be RVP’s lack of goals in the knockout phases of major tournaments.
All his goals at major competitions have so far come in the group stages but, should he be fit, the whole of Holland he will be hoping he can break that curse at the Arena Corinthians and fire his side to consecutive World Cup finals.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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