The Netherlands headed into tonight's World Cup qualifying clash against Sweden needing to beat their opponents by seven goals or more to advance to a qualification play off.
And, at the time of writing, Arjen Robben is doing his absolute best to ensure the Dutch perform the unlikeliest triumph since a team captained by Wes Morgan won the actual premier League.
Robben converted a penalty after 16 mintues and then swept home an absolute pearler of an effort from the edge of the area to double the Netherlands' lead later in the first half.
Arjen Robben's last goal for Holland :scream:#NEDSWE #WCQ2018 pic.twitter.com/Dwqez2GT24
- Calcio 68. (@Calcio68) October 11, 2017
WHAT A HIT ROBBEN!!! #NEDSWE
- SS (@ShiraziSam) October 10, 2017
Arjen Robben has put Holland ahead!
They only need......
6 more goals. :sweat_smile:
- COPA90 US (@COPA90US) October 10, 2017
Meanwhile, Arjen Robben is on a one-man mission to take the Netherlands to the World Cup, deciding he'll score all seven goals himself.
- Coral (@Coral) October 10, 2017
FC Arjen Robben is on fire when it matters. And water is wet. #NEDSWE pic.twitter.com/KONehF2et9
- FC Arjen Robben (@FCArjenRobben10) October 10, 2017
Robben's double leaves Dick Advocaat's men needing just the five more goals to secure a play off berth in order to take one step closer to avoiding missing out on a second consecutive major tournament. A colossal disappointment for a country that only three years ago finished third at the World Cup, in Brazil.
The Bayern Munich star may be playing his final game for the Netherlands, tonight, unless the Dutch do somehow manage to score another five and not concede against the Swedes.
At 33 years of age, next year's World Cup in Russia would represent the most likely final attempt for Robben to shine at an international tournament, with the former Chelsea and Real Madrid man turning 36 before Euro 2020.
At least he's looking like he'll sign off the international stage in style.
