Van Marwijk backs Robin van Persie’s role

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk today defended Robin van Persie’s form at Euro 2012.

The Arsenal striker, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season and was named Footballer of the Year, has been criticised following disappointing Dutch defeats to Denmark and Germany.

But Van Marwijk said: “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.”

Holland sit bottom of Group B and midfielder Wesley Sneijder accepts the 2010 World Cup finalists have been below-par. “We know that our game needs to improve,” he said. “We need to show courage.”