Robben feeling no pressure for Portugal game

TITISEE, Germany, June 23 (Reuters) Arjen Robben's absence from Wednesday's goalless draw with Argentina underlined the value of the winger to the Dutch World Cup team.

Robben gave a virtuoso display in the opening Group C win over Serbia&Montenegro and did well again in the victory over Ivory Coast before being rested against Argentina because he was on a yellow card.

But the Chelsea player said he was feeling no pressure to keep up his level of performances ahead of the second-round match against Portugal in Nuremberg on Sunday.

''I do not feel any pressure, I just want to give everything I have,'' Robben told Reuters today. ''I always want to be valuable for my team.'' The Dutch attack, especially Ruud van Nistelrooy, has been criticised following the 0-0 draw with Argentina.

Coach Marco van Basten said yesterday that Van Nistelrooy's position in the team was a point of discussion, adding the striker was not an automatic first choice.

Robben said it was up to every member of the side to help out on the goal front.

''The lack of power is not just about the forward line but also how they are supported by the rest of the team,'' he said.

''In some matches you just get one chance and you have to convert it. Dirk (Kuijt) had one in the first half but the angle was very tight.'' Robben said Portugal's 2-1 win over the Dutch in the semi-finals of Euro 2004 would have no bearing on the game in Nuremberg.

''This will be a new match,'' said Robben.

REUTERS DH KN1857