Holland 2 Slovakia 1: Return of Robben pleases van Marwijk as Holland march on

Earning his first start at this World Cup having recovered from a calf injury, Robben inspired Holland to a deserved victory.

The Bayern Munich winger struck a superb goal in the 18th minute as his team progressed to the quarter finals of the tournament.

"I am so pleased that Robben is fit again," said Van Marwijk. "He was decisive for us.

"It was important that he played for 70 minutes and I think for him he has just passed that fear factor having recently returned from injury."

Van Marwijk also showered Holland goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with praise.

Stekelenburg made a great save from Robert Vittek's close-range strike in the 66th minute to deny Slovakia an equaliser before Wesley Sneijder doubled Holland's lead six minutes from time.

The Ajax man did, though, concede a penalty at the death to hand Slovakia a consolation goal.

"He made a great save," said Van Marwijk.

"It proved crucial because Slovakia were gaining confidence as we failed to find our second goal in the second half.

"As for the penalty, I didn't think it was one but it doesn't matter because I think our defence has done a great job so far."

Holland have given away just two goals in the tournament and Van Marwijk is pleased with his team's performance.

"I think we deserved to win this match," he said.

"I can't be unhappy with our performance.

"We did rather well, especially in the second half.

"In all of the matches we have played so far, we have shown that we can control a match and we have been able to show how good we play."

Holland will face either Brazil or Chile in the last eight on Friday in Port Elizabeth.

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss was left to rue his team's missed chances although he was forced to admit that Holland were the better side.

With his team trailing 1-0, Miroslav Stoch and Vittek had several opportunities to equalise but were denied by Stekelenburg.

"I want to congratulate Holland," said Weiss.

"They proved to be great opponents.

"We had three huge chances when the result was 1-0 and had Vittek managed to make his chances, it could have been a different story.

"But in the end, if you make mistakes you are going to be punished.

"I think no coach can be happy if he loses and if he has three high quality chances against Holland.

"I am happy with my players and what they did, although I believe they could have played much better."