Considered one of the best countries never to win the World Cup, the Netherlands enters the knockout stage with a perfect record. That hasn't been a formula for success for the Dutch in recent major competitions.
The Netherlands will try to avoid another early exit Monday in Durban against surprising Slovakia in the round of 16.
The Dutch topped Group E with nine points, showing the same ease as in recent group campaigns at Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup. The strong early play proved to be meaningless when they were ousted by Russia at Euro 2008 and by Portugal four years ago.
"We have to show now that we learned from the last two or three tournaments," striker Robin van Persie said.
This is one of three all-European matchups in the round of 16, and probably the unlikeliest. Slovakia stunned Italy 3-2 on Thursday to eliminate the defending World Cup champion behind two goals from striker Robert Vittek.
"It was not easy for us before the Italy match," coach Vladimir Weiss said. "We were under intense pressure from our fans and media. I hope it will change the minds of the people, especially the Slovakian media."
While the Dutch have avoided a classic matchup against the Italians, they don't believe they have caught a break heading into their first meeting with Slovakia.
"I thought ahead of the game that I would not be surprised if Slovakia eliminates Italy," Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said. "So there is absolutely no way we can underestimate them."
The Dutch won 2-1 over Cameroon on Thursday, using the match as an opportunity to give star striker Arjen Robben his first action of the tournament. Robben entered in the 73rd minute after being out three weeks with a calf injury, and now he could be a candidate to start.
"We'd better be on our guard," Robben said. "People may say we will be the favorites. But we will certainly prepare us very carefully. And we will be sharp for the game."
Van Marwijk is expected to turn back to Gregory Van der Wiel on his back line after Khalid Boulahrouz got the start Thursday. Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Dirk Kuyt will look to provide more of an attacking punch for a Dutch side that has produced only four goals.
"We will play with the same spirit against Holland," Weiss said. "They are the favorites but you never know. They have attacking players like Sneijder and van der Vaart. It's not easy to play against these guys."
Six Dutch players are carrying yellow cards, and another booking would result in a suspension for a possible quarterfinal. The winner advances to meet Brazil or Chile.
"They are a fantastic team with fantastic players," Weiss said. "Most of their players play in the big leagues in England, Spain and Italy, but you will never know before a game. You saw what happened against Italy."
