Netherland Win 2-0 against Denmark

Johannesburg: Netherland stamped a comprehensive victory over Denmark after getting a lucky own goal in the opening minute of the second half and then a late goal from Dirk Kuyt to take their World Cup campaign opener against Denmark.

Earlier, Bert van Marwijk had sprung a pre-match surprise with the inclusion of Arjen Robben as a substitute.

The first half was goalless and the only chances were two ambitious one by Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen. The dutch team were expected to bag few goals ahead of the match. Van Der Vaart was making the all important runs but was unable to find the target.

Within the first minute of the second half, Robin Van Persie looking for support hit a cross in the Denmark box , defender Simon Poulsen in his attempts to clear the cross miscued his header to score an unlikely own goal for the Denmark side and put Netherland ahead and give that all important lead.

Then in the 59th minute Van Der Vaart saw his effort hit the target but was denied by Sorensen diving full length.

With the dutch players growing in confidence, created another chance where Mark Van Bommel's left footed shot was denied by the Danish goal keeper after a good build up by the dutch mid-fielders in the 73rd minute.

The Danish defense looked sloppy as Van Persie was let off in the 76th minute but the keeper was well positioned to get the ball before Persie.

Van Persie was replaced in the 77th minute by Afellay. The Dutch team looked good with quick passes and swift movements, finding gaps and decieving the Denmark players. They dominated possession and the Denmark team had no answer to dutch play in the midfield.

The Danish side rarely created any chances, as they went on for attack they looked more vulnerable on defense.

In the 82nd minute Sneijder hit a left footed shot which was deflected off defender Daniel Agger to hit the crossbar.

In the 85th minute Dirk Kuyt scored the second goal and underline a comprehensive victory for the Dutch team.
Sneijder was instrumental in making the second goal possible with his good ball to Eljero Elia who hit a shot past the keeper that was deflected off the bar for Kuyt to tap in an easy goal.

Elia coming in as substitute was impressive playing as winger for the Dutch side.

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