Van Marwijk: Van Persie has done a good job so far

Jun 15, 2012 9:08:00 AM

The Dutch national team coach has explained that the Arsenal striker deserves to be in the starting line-up based on his performances in Poland and Ukraine so far

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has defended his decision to snub Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in favour of Robin van Persie for the 2-1 loss to Germany in the Group B clash at Euro 2012.

The Oranje boss feels that Van Persie put in a good performance in the 1-0 defeat against Denmark in the opening group game despite being hit with criticism in the aftermath, and was equally pleased with the Arsenal man's display against the Nationalelf on Wednesday.

"Robin is doing a great job up front. He put in a good performance as a striker against the Danes, and also did a good job against Germany. That's why I've opted for Van Persie so far," Van Marwijk was quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.

The 28-year-old forward found the net once against Germany to score Oranje's only goal of the tournament so far.

Netherlands currently sit bottom in Group B with no points after two games. They must beat Portugal by two goals, and need Germany to defeat Denmark in order to qualify for the quarter-finals.

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