A single value decomposition (SVD) based controller applicable only to 2x2 systems is extended to achieve robust control for general multivariable control systems. More reliable indices to characterize the robustness of multivariable control systems in the face of strong disturbance directionality and model uncertainty are presented. Robust performance requirements are formulated as an optimization problem so that a systematic design strategy to achieve the best compromise for robust control against disturbance directionality and model error is developed.