In Soccor City Johannesburg June 14th 2010, the Netherlands started their Journey of World Cup with a 2:0 vitory against Denmark by the help of an own goal which scored by Denish defender Agger. Dirk Kuyt scored the second goal after Elia’s shot struck the post.
One of the good news of the Oranje before the match was that FC Bayren’s winger Robben had recovered from leg injured. However, his name wasn’t existed in the first 11. Robin van Persie who was playing as the striker, lead the attaching group together with Rafeal van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt.
But in the first half, Dutch couldn’t find any good chance to beat the Denish keeper Tomas Sorensen because of the well defending. Simon Kjaer and Daniel Agger performed well to keep danger away from their goal while Wesley and Rafeal were all about to go throw from central. Dutch significant side attacking model couldn’t be seen in the first 45 mins.
While Dutch couldn’t find their way in, Denish could easily find space in right and left sides because of the Dutch sidebacks’ frequant attack supporting. By the help of Arsenal forward Nicolas Bendtner’s passes, Rommedahl and Kahlenberg found their opportunities to shoot on goal.
Bert van Marwijk’s side fortunately lead at the beginning of the second half by Danial Agger’s own goal after a calamitous moment caused by van Persie’s crossing. Denmark had inmediate answer of one goal behind by substituting Gronkjaer hoping to break from the left side by his pace. But he’s 33-year-old and Dutch right sideback was only 22 with fast pace too.
Elia’s substitution changed the model of Dutch attack, on one hand, he dribbed from the left side to find chance to cross and shoot, on the other hand, he create the space for Wesley to control the ball easily and wait for the very timing to pass. Therefore, the second goal came by Sneijder’s throw pass, Elia’s shot which hit the post and Kuyt’s follow up.
Honestly, Netherlands didn’t play well in this match. Robin van Persie showed his poor fitness. The head coach still couldn’t find a solution for the ball control problem when Rafeal and Wesley were both on the field. The defence of sideback was still weak as usual…Bert van Marwijk need to consider how to fix them
Luckily, Oranje started the journey with a vitory. Considering Robben’s recovery and the potential shown from the match, I think Netherlands would go farther than 2006 at least. personally, I hope Oranje can play the final and win.
