Van Persie defends Dutch tactics

Robin van Persie has defended the Netherlands' heavily-criticised attempts to neutralise Spain in the World Cup final.

The Arsenal striker and his international team-mates have been widely condemned for a heavy-handed approach to a match they lost 1-0 in Johannesburg.

Referee Howard Webb showed 14 yellow cards – nine of which were to the Dutch – while defender John Heitinga was sent off in extra time.

Van Persie himself was booked in the 15th minute of an ill-tempered match but has leapt to the defence of coach Bert van Marwijk and the tactics he employed.

"People criticised us for our playing style," he said."It was not as pretty as it used to be with Holland.

"But my question is: Getting results and reaching the final or playing the beautiful game and getting knocked out in the first round – which would you choose?

"I know how difficult it can be to play wonderful football and not get the result you want. I see it at Arsenal more than I want to.

"When we play the likes of Bolton and Blackburn we dominate the game, we play attacking football and they score from a lousy throw-in or an odd corner kick.

"The criticism Holland got in the World Cup I recognise from what we get at Arsenal. It was a final. You don't give up without a fight, do you?"Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email