Uninspired Dutch do enough to beat Japan

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Wesley Sneijder was on target as Netherlands beat Japan 1-0 in a Group E clash on Saturday to put themselves on the brink of reaching the World Cup second round.

Sneijder's fine 53rd minute strike deceived Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima who misjudged the flight of the ball and could only deflect it into the back of the net.

However, the goal was reward for a much improved start to the second half by the unimpressive Dutch, who had been frustrated by the Japanese in a dull first period.

In Image: Netherlands' John Heitinga, center with back to camera, hugs Japan's Marcus Tulio Tanaka, right, at the end of the World Cup group E soccer match

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

Coverage: FIFA World Cup