By TIM FONTENAULT
Dirk Kuyt took a trip back to his glory days on Sunday afternoon, putting in an incredible performance for the Netherlands, which had to come from behind to beat Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16.
Kuyt, a 33-year-old winger, was all over the place for the Dutch, moving around like he did when he starred at Liverpool for several years. When head coach Louis Van Gaal brought on Memphis Depay, Kuyt transitioned flawlessly to the opposite wing.
He played well on both sides of the ball and outworked almost everybody. Even though he did not create either of the Netherlands’ late goals or get a chance at goal himself, he played well enough to earn the SBI Man of the Match award.
Kuyt wins the award over teammates Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, as well as Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
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What did you think of Kuyt’s performance? Who is your Man of the Match?
Share your thoughts below.
Tim:
You are absolutely correct in naming Dirk as MOTM for the Mexico game! And won the admiration and respect of all, notably Johann Cruyff – no easy man to please.
He did incredible work and shepherding all along the right flank, defending one minute, then advancing the ball to Robben and Sneijder the next. His endurance, conditioning, and teamwork is exceptional; he worked to win several corners, including the one that ultimately ended with Sneidjer’s volley. Dirk has inspirational qualities as a player and man, and they were all on display vs. Mexico! Bravo LVG for realizing his potential…
Arjen Robben is the man of the match. He carried that team wave after wave of attack culminating with the winning play. Snider and Kuyt were other notables.
Robben easily motm and one of the best players in the entire WC
truly he is unparalleled at pretending like he was knocked over