Netherlands v Denmark full time report
Netherland 2 Denmark 0
A headed own goal from Simon Poulson moments into the second half undid all of Denmark’s fine work from the opening 45 minutes, and handed the Netherlands maximum points in the opening match of Group E.
The 25-year-old could do nothing but smile through embarrassment after heading Robin van Persie’s cross into his own net. It was the first own goal of the World Cup finals, and a moment which the Danish defender will want to forget in a hurry.
Dirk Kuyt later added a second five minutes before the final whistle to put the match beyond doubt.
The Netherlands enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening stages of the match, but it was Denmark who created the best chance of the first half. Nicklas Bendtner really should have given his side the lead on the 26th minute; but his tame header, which came off his shoulder, trickled harmlessly wide.
Bert van Marwijk’s side huffed and puffed but couldn’t find their way past the resolute Danish defence, who thwarted their opponents with a succession of blocked shots.
Despite the likes of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Rafael Van der Vaart all trying their best to unlock Denmark’s sturdy backline, it was eventually a goal from one of Denmark’s own defenders which handed the Oranje the advantage.
The own goal clearly unsettled Morten Olsen’s side, who found themselves at sixes and sevens moments later and nearly allowed Van Persie to double the Netherland’s lead. Fortunately for Denmark, the Arsenal forward wasted the opportunity.
For the next 25 minutes, the match continued in the same vein as the first. While the Netherlands had chances to extend their lead, Denmark were also forcing the issue in search of an equaliser.
Without Bendtner on the pitch – withdrawn on the hour mark to prevent a recurrence of his groin injury – the Danes looked toothless upfront and rarely threatened to test Maarten Stekelenburg.
A superb effort from Sneijder, 10 minutes before the final whistle, cannoned off Sorenson’s crossbar, cranking up the vuvuzela volume around the Soccer City Stadium in the process.
And the 83,000 inside the Johannesburg arena were then finally treated to second when Sneijder’s superb pass found Eljero Elia, who must have thought he’d scored as he lifted the ball over Sorenson. As the ball rolled goalwards, it hit the upright, but Denmark’s fatigued defenders couldn’t react in time, as Kuyt stole in to seal all three points for the Dutch.
A brilliant last-ditch goal-line clearance from Simon Poulson minutes before the end of the match helped redeem his own goal, to an extent, and kept the scoreline respectable for Denmark. But it was the Dutch who proudly march on.
On the evidence of today’s match, Denmark should still be considered favourites to advance to the last 16 alongside the Netherlands. Barring the moment of madness from Poulson, it was an assured performance which will have provided them with belief.
For the Dutch, though, it seems their tag as potential winners has been more than justified.
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