Arjen Robben scored twice in Holland’s 2-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night, before confirming his retirement from international football.
The veteran winger’s brace wasn’t enough for the Oranje to secure a play-off berth for next year’s World Cup finals.
The Dutch had needed to beat Sweden by seven goals, to pip their opponents to second place in Group A.
Robben produced an excellent individual display on his final outing for his country, leading by example and scoring both goals in victory.
"I want to focus on my club [career] now," confirmed Robben post-game. "It's a good time to pass the torch to the next generation.
The Bayern Munich star, who has finished as a runner-up and in third place at each of the last two finals, ends his international career with 37 goals in 96 appearances - leaving behind a Dutch side at a crossroads.
Robben opened the scoring early, his penalty squirming over the line after handball from Victor Lindelof.
His second, also before half-time, was a wonderfully-executed sweeping first-time shot into the far corner from 25 yards.
However, the Dutch lacked the necessary creativity as Sweden shut up shop in the second period.
Robben waved goodbye to the Johan Cryuff Arena after the game, walking around the pitch with his son.
Robben had been pictured crying ahead of kick-off.
Asked about being the last a generation including Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder to be a key man for the Oranje, Robben added: "The man of glass kept going on longest".
Source: The Mirror.
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