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Sneijder: I’m close to my usual level…

March 28th, 2009 | By: Jan | 45 Comments »

Wes shows his dance moves at training…

Wesley Sneijder’s Oranje breakthrough was during the last home game against Scotland (6-0) in 2003, with his opening goal and three assists.

It’s five years later now, and Sneijder is fighting for a starting position in Oranje. “It’s weird. I always started if I was fit. I hope it will stay that way.”

Sneijder remained a starter at Madrid in the final months of 2008, even when he played below par. “I did tell the media that I couldn’t believe the coach, allowing me to start. People criticized me for it and though it was silly, but I can only be honest, right? But, that phase is behind me. I hit the balls well, again. My form is back and it feels great.”

It’s typical Sneijder, to spill his guts in the media. The midfielder enjoys the life of a football star in Spain, the glitter and glamour of the Royal Madrid football club. But, he’s also still the street kid from Utrecht. A lot of balls, open, and ready to pull a prank. “But the humor in Spain is really different. In the last months some newspapers said I was spending too much time in the nightclubs. They saw me with pop stars, tv presenters, models, you name it. It’s all bullshit of course, but that’s how it is. So, when I started to play well again, some journalists asked me what had happened. I said, jokingly, I didn’t go out anymore. I decided to change my life and stay home. The next day, most papers published that as a serious story, hahahaaa….”

The rumors about party boy Sneijder grew after his marriage with Ramona went bust. “If I read how many affairs I have, it’s a wonder I can still play football. I actually don’t want to talk or even think about it. Why would I? It’s nonsense and not worth the energy.”

Sneijder wants to concentrate on the game against Scotland. Many people remind him of his last home game against the Bravehearts. Dad Barry gloated at the stands while bro’ Rodney was a ball boy. “That was a tremendous game, but…I’ve played better matches for Oranje.”

Sneijder became a regular starter for Oranje. “I actually plated most games, when I’m fit. But, I realize competition has grown and I also see that Van Marwijk could pick another player instead of me. I’d be pissed off and disappointed, but I’d accept it. I mean, that’s football sometimes. I look at Raf, who doesn’t play at Madrid and I learn from the way he handles that. Impressive…”

Tags: Group C, Oranje, Ramona, Scotland, Sneijder, Vaart, Van Marwijk

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 45 comments.

Read the rest of the comments

By Michel-Olivier | March 28th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

robin

Posted from United States

By sonneveld | March 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

I love robben sooooo entertaining. Unlike kuyt, he should be subbed for the man this article is on.

By Mario | March 28th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

well, Kuyt is in perfect shape and van Marwijk decided to bench Sneijder because he preferred to play with two open wingers with Robben and Kuyt so he had to decide who was going to play behing Huntelaar and the choosen one was van Persie who by the way looks great as our number ten. A strong message for Sneijder:

or you recover your form inmediately or this situation would be tough for him.

By sonneveld | March 28th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

btw robben is actually running really hard. He looks like kuyt, with skill.

By goose | March 28th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Robben is by far our most dangerous player …. hes also a wanker!!!

Posted from Netherlands

By Michel-Olivier | March 28th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

it’s the end of 4-2-3-1

Posted from United States

By Michel-Olivier | March 28th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

kuijt
3-0

Posted from United States

By Marc | March 28th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

why is it the end of 4-2-3-1?

Posted from Switzerland

By Carlos | March 28th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

Well at least my predcton was right 3-0
Not a great game tho. Scotland did not want to play football.
Like vd Wiel’s game. Next game don’t play with 2 defensve mids.

Posted from Singapore

By Mario | March 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm

Guys, I said two van Persie´s goals and a Hunter´s thunder in a 3-0 prediction. My prediction was right hehe but I missed the fact Kuyt would score one instead of the Persie´s goals I said.

Holland didn´t put too much effort as a I watched the game because Scotland really offered a very poor attitude and lack of quality.

I think van der Wiel will be our right back from now on, I hadn´t see him but what I saw he impressed me. Good positioning, fast, nice crosses. He is the right back Holland needed for a long time. No Boulah, no Heitingas there, those lads are center backs, not right backs. We have to see v.d. Wiel playing against top players and top teams but he will develop his skills more and more. Van Marwijk´s team has great potential and I have to recognize that although Mathijsen is not my favorite player he has developed as a very good defender and makes a good partnership with Ooijer who is slow but has perfect understanding with Joris. I´m not saying we got a great defense but I think they can do a good job and let all the imagination, creation and skill to the creative midfielders such as Robben, Kuyt, Sneijder, van Persie, Afellay and van der Vaart and up there our Hunter will always be a guarantee for goals. Scotland was an easy ride for Oranje guys.

By Michel-Olivier | March 28th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

only in 4-4-2 can robben, kuijt, v.persie, and hunter play at the same time

Posted from United States

By goose | March 28th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

crap game but another 3 points in the bag

Posted from Netherlands

By Caleb | March 28th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

For anyone who wants to watch the game still, here’s links to download it:

First half:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/hzb12s

Second half:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/6g7qbg

By Michel-Olivier | March 28th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

gregory should be regular for now on

Posted from United States

By Bruce | March 28th, 2009 at 7:46 pm

We win 3-0, outshoot the opponent drastically, and maintain 70% ball possession, all against a defensive, 5-on-the-back-line opponent, and yet we can still find something to complain about.

Thought we played very well. Robben (although he is a limp-wristed wanker, agreed… ) was constantly a threat and played very well… Kuyt was solid on the right flank, and played well defensively… v.d.Wiel was fantastic! van Persie and Huntelaar had a good understanding of each other…

To be honest, I can’t find too much to complain about… except that maybe it’s time for Gio to retire, and Sneijder should start (as he probably will next game)…

@Caleb: thanks mate!

Posted from Republic Of Korea

By Caleb | March 28th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

I agree with Bruce, I thought it was a very good game, not much to complain about and a lot of very positive things. I’ll write more later when I have more time…

By Carlos | March 28th, 2009 at 10:37 pm

One of the things that stood out the moment Sneijder came on was his usual – “shift to another gear” mode he always has. My view for Wednesday’s game is NOT to play with 2 defensive midfelders but put Wesley in there instead of de Jong. am a big de Jong fan (even watch the light blues now) but tactics tells me we need Sneijder in there as well. From this performance, no one deserves to be dropped, just a tactical change. Steks needs to stop pumping the ball upfield and expose our forwards to needless “wacks” from behind. Look for a winger or wide man and PASS it to him, this way we can buld up again.

Posted from Singapore

By Tjeerd | March 28th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

Sneijder coming off the bench was a spark, nice pass to Hunterlaar, resulting in penalty kick.
Was impressed with Robben, he couldn’t finish on one gorgeous chance from Hunter, but he hustled and had one hell of a game. Every time Robben gets hurt my first impression is that he is faking it (history), this game he was genuine.
Mathijsen defended well, especially early in the game.
Holland was impressive, you can book your trip to South Africa.

By Jan | March 28th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

I can’t understand all that Robben negativity! Honestly…

By finnster01 | March 28th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

Robben looks on a photo like he is playing for the Oranje over 45, but he’s the best player on the pitch.

I thought he was absolutely excellent. Looked dangerous everytime he had the ball and didn’t do any of his whining. Maybe he’s finally grown up.

In any event a big thank you on behalf of all Norwegians We want to play for second place so now Oranje needs to take care of the Macedonians next. The Norwegians papers are full of praise and all say Oranje played Scotland completely off the pitch and it’s time to focus on the battle for second.

Off topic, very funny article in the Telegraph with Henrik Larson having a go at C Ronaldo and his diving…

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/cristianoronaldo/5066353/Manchester-Uniteds-Cristiano-Ronaldo-rubbishes-Henrik-Larsson-diving-jibe.html

By Carlos | March 28th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

in case you want to see 3 mins of hilites incl goals n misses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AJxORBRQag

Posted from Singapore

By Carlos | March 28th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

In most papers around the world the players of the game were
1.Robben
2.Bommel
3.vd Wiel

Some real good analysis in the Scottish press. Love the headline “Well what did you expect ??”

Posted from Singapore

By Jan | March 29th, 2009 at 2:55 am

I agree with those three, although De Jong was pretty decent as well. And Stekelenburg didn’t do anything wrong!!

By Miguel Rosado | March 29th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

I agree:

1) Robben
2) Van Bommel
3) Van der Wiel

By finnster01 | March 30th, 2009 at 12:03 am

You know,

I think Bert needs a lot of credit. Hasn’t been behind the helm all that long and rightfully or wrongfully he completely schooled Scotland which was his main contender in the group going into the game. It was never even dangerous.

Now it is the same routine with a feisty Macedonia team that does not lose often at home. I think BvM should get quite a few pats on his back.

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