Netherlands hold on for win over United States

(GSM) – The Netherlands got goals from Dirk Kuyt and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar before holding off a late charge from the United States in a 2-1 friendly win in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

The Dutch controlled most of the possession in the opening 20 minutes, but never found a way through the American defense for a solid look at goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Then, 10 minutes later, the Americans were dealt a blow when midfielder Stuart Holden went off with an ankle injury after a late challenge by Nigel de Jong in midfield.

The visitors improved as the half went on, but Holland won a penalty in the 40th minute when Jonathan Borstein tugged down Wesley Sneijder, allowing Kuyt to slot home from the spot.

Both sides had their chances in the second half, though the Dutch still looked the most dangerous. The second finally came in the 74th minute when a shot by Huntelaar deflected off the chest of Bornstein to wrong foot Howard.

The Americans, though, made a game of it in the 89th minute when Carlos Bocanegra nodded home DaMarcus Beasley’s free kick, and the latter hit a later free kick right into the arms of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Stekelenburg then made a key save on a drive by Jozy Altidore late to preserve a 2-1 victory.