Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has leapt to the defence of midfield enforcer Mark van Bommel.

A number of dubious challenges may have gone un-noticed by the referees, but not fans, who have vented their frustration at Van Bommel's cynical approach on various websites.

But he has only been booked once in the World Cup - for kicking the ball away - and Van Marwijk said: "I don't agree with what people are saying. The yellow card on Tuesday was his first in the entire competition. He has shown a lot of discipline in his play."