CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) – Netherlands continued their  impressive charge at the World Cup when they beat Cameroon 2-1  yesterday to make it three wins out of three in Group E and  advance to a last 16 meeting with Slovakia.

Having won all eight qualifiers, the Dutch, who have already  beaten Denmark and Japan here, became the first team since  Brazil in 1982 to win all their qualifying and group games.

They went into yesterday’s match already assured of progress  and secured top spot with goals by Robin van Persie and Klaas  Jan Huntelaar either side of a Samuel Eto’o penalty.

They also had the bonus of a return to action for winger  Arjen Robben, who missed the first two games with a hamstring  problem but delivered a late cameo off the bench.

Nicely balanced throughout the team, Netherlands have  qualified without ever needing to hit peak form and at present  are flying the flag as Europe’s most impressive nation.

However, it was something of a mixed performance against  Cameroon as they started slowly, took control, were again pushed  back but finished strongly.

“In the first half I was relaxed but the second was very  mediocre, I thought Cameroon might score and we might even  lose,” said Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk.

“Cameroon got a penalty and then we woke up… this period  of negligence is something we cannot afford and today was a  lesson for the next match.”

Cameroon can hold their heads high despite going home  pointless — their worst showing in six World Cups.