Robben made his first start in South Africa after returning from a hamstring injury and it was his goal that set them on their way to a 2-1 win over Slovakia, their 12th successive victory in World Cup qualifiers and finals matches.
An impressive record, no doubt, but their qualifying group was hardly the toughest and laboured victories in South Africa have come against Denmark, Japan, an already eliminated Cameroon and the surprise package in the last 16, Slovakia.
But for Robben's contribution, not only on Monday but also as a substitute in the match against Cameroon where his shot set up the winning goal, they might be facing more than just the moans of footballing aesthetes crying out for a dash of Dutch brio.
Coach Bert van Marwijk believes he has taught his team how to "win ugly" but will have been maddened that the Dutch took the foot off the pedal after Robben's 18th minute opener.
As his players keep saying, they are doing "just enough" to get through each stage of the tournament, and perhaps Africa's first World Cup will just have to live without a glimpse of traditional Dutch flair.
