Robben retires from Netherlands duty after futile qualifying campaign

After 14 years of ups and downs with the Netherlands, exciting winger Arjen Robben signed off from international duty with a pair of goals in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Sweden.

Despite Robben's heroics, the Dutch failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Robben finishes his international career with 96 caps, 37 goals, and 29 assists to his name.

Robben represented his country in six major tournaments, including a trip to the 2010 World Cup final. He spoiled the Netherlands' best chance in that match with a tame shot against Iker Casillas off a clear breakaway. Spain ended up winning in extra time.

The 33-year-old got his revenge four years later in Brazil, scoring twice in a historic 5-1 group stage victory over La Roja. But he couldn't get the Dutch to another final, settling for third after a consolation win over the host nation.

Robben's confidence was low heading into Tuesday's final qualifier - the Dutch needed to win by a seven-goal margin - but that didn't stop the Bayern Munich dynamo from putting in a typically dominant performance. He was fortunate to score off a botched Panenka, but made amends with a left-footed bullet from distance later in the first half.

Related - Watch: Rocket Robben narrows Dutch deficit to 5

Supporters at the Amsterdam ArenA gave Robben a deserved standing ovation once the final whistle sounded. He returned the applause with his sons in tow.