Netherlands look to Robben as strikers fire blanks

TITISEE, Germany, June 22 (Reuters) The Netherlands's failure to score in their final World Cup group match against Argentina revealed an unhealthy reliance on rested winger Arjen Robben although the defence looked solid enough.

The goalless draw yesterday meant Marco van Basten's side finished second on goal difference behind the Argentines in Group C and face a tough last 16 match with Portugal on Sunday.

Lack of creativity in a midfield that struggled without the width provided by Robben did not help the strikers but the Dutch forwards also lacked the guile to unlock the Argentina defence.

Playmaker Rafael van der Vaart failed to display the power and rhythm he can muster while the absence of ball-winner Mark van Bommel left the Dutch without a supply line to the strikers.

Ruud van Nistelrooy played as the main forward again but, apart from his goal against Ivory Coast, he has not been at his best following a disappointing season at Manchester United.

Van Basten, who retains the backing of the Dutch media and the fans, sidestepped questions about his forward line but said his players would focus on penalties for the knockout round.

''We all have to do our duty against a good opponent but we don't have a bad team,'' he said. ''From this point we only play finals and that means we have to practise penalties as well.'' RESILIENT DEFENCE While the forwards have been firing blanks the Dutch defence has shown its resilience even with several changes.

Andre Ooijer, the only defender to start all the team's group matches, was satisfied with the way the rearguard was organised and also pointed to the progress they have made.

''Today it was just as tough as against Ivory Coast, with another lively attack (to cope with),'' Ooijer told Reuters after yesterday's absorbing clash in Frankfurt.

''But against Ivory Coast we failed to play our game in the second half and that worked out better tonight.'' Van Basten paired Ooijer in central defence with Khalid Boulahrouz, who was praised by the great Johan Cruyff, with the inexperienced Tim de Cler and Kew Jaliens as fullbacks.

Ooijer said he was used to playing with Boulahrouz and that while starting with Jaliens and De Cler was a new experience they proved they deserved their places in the squad.

''We anticipated Argentina's game plan well and also stuck to our own ideas,'' added captain Edwin van der Sar, who won his 112th cap to equal Dutch record holder Frank de Boer.

REUTERS DH PC1904