Netherlands 1-0 United States
With Germany, the Czech Republic and Latvia awaiting them in Group D in Portugal, Advocaat had stressed the importance of preparing with games against strong opposition, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists certainly did not disappoint.
Ruud van Nistelrooij was marshalled keenly by the imposing Cory Gibbs, and though the striker was unfortunate to be adjudged offside before driving in after 12 minutes, he picked up the game's first caution after fisting in Sneijder's whipped free-kick on 36 minutes.
That the Netherlands' best first-half opening, hit straight at a relieved Keller from ten metres out by Rafael van der Vaart, followed Jaap Stam's burst from the back which ended only at the US by-line spoke volumes for the solid job Arena's side did of stifling their hosts' undoubted creative quality.
The Dutch emerged the more adventurous after the break, though, and Robben finally broke the deadlock with a goal all of his own making. He nodded Wilfred Bouma's chipped pass inside his marker on the left touchline before cutting in and smashing it past Keller from deep inside the area.
Predictably, the goal brought both sides out of their shells. A second nearly followed just minutes later when Roy Makaay, one of three attacking changes made by Advocaat at half-time, tested Keller down to his right, while Van der Sar was quick to cut out Convey's threat after a clever nod on by lively substitute DaMarcus Beasley at the other end.
Source: Uefa.com
