Netherlands beats Japan 1-0 in second straight win

Durban: Wesley Sneijder scored the only goal Saturday to help the Netherlands beat Japan 1-0 for its second straight World Cup win.

Sneijder's 53rd-minute strike finally broke down stubborn resistance by Japan's defense that had stifled Dutch creativity in front of 62,010 fans at Moses Mabhida Stadium. It was the Inter Milan playmaker's 15th goal in 63 internationals.

The Netherlands again failed to live up to its billing as one of the most fluent attacking teams of the tournament. The team struggled to a 2-0 victory over Denmark in its first Group E match, while Japan had a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.