Van Persie’s goal gives Netherlands 1-0 lead over Cameroon after 1st half of World Cup match

Netherlands leads Cameroon 1-0 after first half

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Dutch striker Robin van Persie’s goal is the difference as the Netherlands leads Cameroon 1-0 after the first half of their Group E World Cup match.

Van Persie played a neat one-two with Rafael van der Vaart in the 36th minute, and then shot through the legs of goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou from a tight angle.

Winger Dirk Kuyt also came close for the Dutch in a match that means little because the Netherlands already has qualified for the second round, while Cameroon is already out.

Cameroon had few chances.

Netherlands started without Arjen Robben for the third consecutive match. The winger is expected to come on a substitute, returning from a left hamstring injury.