World Cup Group E preview: Netherlands v Denmark
Holland arguably face their toughest test in their group today as they face a Denmark team which could be the side to stop them from holding a hundred per cent record in the group stages.
The Dutch are unbeaten in their last 19 games and are serious contenders to win the World Cup – despite being suspect in defence.
Runners-up in 1974 and 1978, the Netherlands have flattered to deceive in recent tournaments, failing to make a championship final since their victory at the 1988 European Championships in Germany. And in spite of having a wealth of talent at their disposal their best effort in the World Cup since 1978 was fourth place at the 1998 finals in France.
Considering Denmark’s recent form in friendlies - defeats to Australia and the hosts South Africa - anything but a win will surely be a disaster for Bert van Marwijk's men, who anticipates a difficult game.
"We have enormous respect for any opponent and especially for Denmark. We know each other well, there are no secrets between the sides.
"You saw with England that games which might look easy to win aren't always so, you can't afford to take anything for granted,” van Marwijk said.
If Denmark have any aspirations of taking any points from their opening game, they will be buoyed by the news that their counterparts will be missing their star winger.
Arjen Robben is a major doubt for the Netherlands after suffering a hamstring injury against Hungary. Although Robben might be his side's best player, losing the in-form Robin van Persie would have been a bigger blow to the side.
Robben is set to be replaced by Real Madrid’s Rafael van der Vaart, not a bad replacement, all things considered.
Denmark too have their own problems and are in worse shape than their opponents. Arsenal striker Niklas Bendtner will likely not be risked unless he’s made a miraculous recovery from a groin injury and will likely be saved for the games against Japan and Cameroon, the two games Denmark will feel they can win.
Veteran Jon Dahl Tomasson is also a doubt, as is midfielder Daniel Jensen – both have trained separately in a bid to prove their fitness.
The bad news doesn’t stop there for Denmark, with even manager Morten Olsen having to miss training after being struck down with a fever.
Thomas Sorensen will make his first appearance since dislocating his elbow in April and defender Simon Kjaer, a transfer target for Europe’s big clubs, is carrying a knee injury and could miss out.
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