By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Match Review
South Africa, Monday, June 14, 2010 — Despite pre-match claims of a “Total Football” display, it did not pan out as desired for Holland as they had to work hard to see off a determined Denmark side 2-0.
The presence of French legends Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, who mesmerized many with their artistry in their playing days, failed to inspire the Oranje to play in a similar swashbuckling style. Instead they required an own goal and another late goal to seal the win against the Danes.
Denmark coach Morten Olsen stayed true to his pre-match hint of playing for a draw as they set out to stifle the Dutch in their 4-5-1 formation. Despite Holland creating the majority of the chances, it was the Danes who came closest to scoring.
Surprise inclusion Nicklas Bendtner headed just wide of the post on 26 minutes while Thomas Kahlenberg’s shot from inside the box was saved by Holland keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Rafael Van der Vaart wasted a couple of opportunities for Holland while Robin Van Persie fired wide on 42 minutes.
However Denmark wasted their good work in the first 45 minutes as they gifted Holland the opener right after the break. Left back Simon Poulsen headed a Van Persie left-wing cross right into the back of his teammate Daniel Agger. The deflection deceived goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and landed into his own goal. The smile of Poulsen after the goal says it all about freak nature of the goal.
The only bright spark for Holland was the introduction of Hamburg wide man Eljero Elia for the last 23 minutes.
His pace and trickery down the left flank created many openings for his team. It was no surprise he played a major part in Holland’s second goal on 83 minutes. His sidefoot shot from inside the box went off the post before Dirk Kuyt stole in to slot in the rebound.
Despite the win, Holland got lots of improvement to make before they can stake a serious claim to win their first ever World Cup trophy.
Our stand-in pundit Asyraf Akbar was left rather disappointed with the Oranje’s showings.
Mohd Asyraf Akbar of VJC. (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Asyraf Says:
Netherlands might have walked away with a win, but it was nonetheless a dismal performance by the Oranje. Fans (like me) would have been disappointed at the lack of flair and creativity in attack that has long been the Netherlands’ brand of football. The Oranje were lucky too; the Danes were effectively shutting them down until Simon Poulsen’s own goal forced a change in mentality as the Danes pushed forward to salvage a point, making it a much more interesting game.
Man of the Match: Eljero Elia
In a game where stars like Daniel Agger, Nicklas Bendtner, Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder could only manage low-key performances, the Holland substitute created the most impact. He came in and created a lot of trouble for the Danes, and had a big hand in Dirk Kuyt’s goal.
Flop of the match:Simon Poulsen
He surprisingly looked really happy after scoring the own goal. He was literally grinning from ear to ear! He might as well have joined in the Dutch celebrations. Conspiracy theory anyone?
More News and Reactions
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk delighted with win
Denmark coach Morten Olsen backs Simon Poulsen despite error
Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf’s take on the Netherlands
Video highlights of the match
| GROUP E | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HOLLAND  | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 9 |
JAPAN  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
DENMARK  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 3 |
CAMEROON  | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
nice one la asyraf (Y)