Robben proud of young Netherlands team

Netherlands star Arjen Robben praised the team’s performance despite failing to beat Italy in a dominant performance.

The Dutch failed to convert chances in the 1-1 draw in a friendly at Amsterdam ArenA with Italian substitute Marco Verratti’s stoppage time equaliser cancelling on Jeremain Lens 33rd-minute opener.

“I think that we should pay our team a compliment. It’s a real shame that the score ended 1-1 but I don’t think we should emphasise that, because we played well during this match,” Robben said.

“When you look at our team you see a lot of young guys and we also had two guys (Daley Blind and Ola John) make their debut, so I think we’ve done well.

“We didn’t play just any country, we played Italy. At certain times during the match we did well but of course there were moments during the end of the first half that didn’t go so well. In the future we have to make sure we keep concentrating during the entire match.”

Robben reiterated his happiness at being part of the national team and was thankful to coach Louis Van Gaal.

“The only thing I want to say is that I’m really happy to be here and I’m very grateful to the manager because he always trusts me and he supports me. It’s nice to be welcomed so warmly,” he said.