Soccer·Video

Arjen Robben’s miss shades of 2010 World Cup final

In two consecutive World Cup tournaments, Arjen Robben has had the chance to play hero for the Netherlands. Instead, his two excruciating misses at the most tenuous of moments have cost his nation.

Dutch forward fails to play hero for 2nd World Cup

Dutch forward Arjen Robben reacts with disbelief after missing a glorious chance to give the Netherlands the lead over Argentina during Wednesday World Cup semifinal match. The Netherlands would go on to lose on penalties. (Michael Dalder/Reuters)

Dutch forward Arjen Robben has certainly had his share of World Cup heartbreak.

In two consecutive World Cup tournaments, Robben has had the chance to play hero for the Netherlands. Instead, his two excruciating misses at the most tenuous of moments have cost his nation in 2010, and again Wednesday during the loss on penalty kicks to Argentina in the semifinal.

Heartache for Robben

At the 2010 World Cup final, the Netherlands were playing Spain. With the teams battling to a scoreless draw in the second half, this happened.

History repeating itself

Against Argentina, the match was scoreless in the 90th minute. Once again, Robben broke free with a chance to win it. But then…