Netherlands' Robin van Persie miss-kicks when presented with an opportunity on goal

Bert van Marwijk felt his side should have done better against Denmark

Holland manager Bert van Marwijk has come to the defence of Robin van Persie after the Arsenal striker had a poor game as the Oranje lost 1-0 to Denmark.

The Dutch had 28 opportunities against the Danish and the Gunners star was guilty of fluffing his lines when given a goalscoring opportunity but the Holland boss felt others should share the blame.

“It was not only Robin van Persie,” Van Marwijk said. “There were maybe four, five, six players who had a lot of chances and the referee had also a chance to give us a penalty.

“I’m not looking for excuses. I’m just trying to give answers to the questions. The players really wanted to do something with all the chances but the ball just didn’t want to go in.

“We put the substitutes on [Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Tottenham midfielder Rafael Van Der Vaart with 20 minutes left] and were even more attacking - we had even more chance after that - but this is the game.

“We were really determined, but you have to score that goal, of course. When there’s a penalty that doesn’t go in your favour, that’s unfortunate but that’s part of the game.

“We just have to beat Germany. That’s not going to be easy but that’s the goal now and everyone knows that.”