We are attractive but also organised – Robben

Arjen Robben would be delighted if Holland 'win ugly' in the World Cup final tomorrow.

The present Dutch squad is generally regarded as the least attractive of the three that have reached the game's greatest stage.

The nation's first attempt came in the 'Total Football' era of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, and, as will be the case tomorrow, also featured an English referee, in Jack Taylor.

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But defeat to a technically inferior but tactically more astute West Germany was followed by a similar outcome in Argentina four years later, when Michels and Cruyff were no longer around but legends such as Johan Neeskens and Ruud Krol still were to bring a sense of flair to the 'Oranje'.

So, having won plaudits but no prizes all those years ago, Robben is quite happy to have the workmanlike tag attached to the present side. All he cares about is the result.

"I would much prefer to win a very ugly game than lose a beautiful one," said the former Chelsea star.

"We can still play attractive football but we can always rely on our good organisation as well.

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"If you are organised, you know one goal could be enough, which has been the case so far.

"The point is, we are in a World Cup final. From now on how you actually play no longer matters.

"Of course, the intent is there to play good football but the result is far more important.

"We have heard enough of talk about how our football is very nice. But it gets you nowhere. We want to achieve something."

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Robben continues to be plagued by a hamstring injury picked up before the tournament began.

"I don't think I have been quite at my best because occasionally I still suffer some pain," he said.

"It doesn't stop me playing, but it would not be truthful to say I am pain-free.

"It is getting better; however, it is not perfect and I am just doing as much as I possibly can."

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Having won all eight games – including two defeats of Scotland – to reach South Africa and six more to get to the final, the men tasked with wearing those distinctive orange shirts are determined not to let anyone down now.

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