Arsenal ace Robin van Persie has defended the style of football played by Holland in their run to the World Cup final.
Van Persie has also defended Holland's strong-arm tactics against Spain in the final.
"People criticised us for our playing style," he said. "It was not as pretty as it used to be with Holland. But my question is: Getting results and reaching the final or playing the beautiful game and getting knocked out in the first round - which would you choose?
"Just before France had to pack their bags, Patrick Vieira said to me that you don't have to play well in the group stages of a World Cup, not even in the second round.
"Only later do you have to grow as a team and you will reach a high level. That will get you to the final. That is exactly the way we did it. Against Brazil in the second half, we were brilliant."
