Preview: Netherlands vs. Denmark

June 13th, 2010 | by: Daryl | View Comments

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THE BIG PICTURE
First game for both teams in Group E, and – I only just realized this – our first all European clash. Netherlands vs Denmark. Oranje vs Olsen’s Elleve. Netherlands are the fancied team and expected to top the group, and to play some good football while doing it. Denmark aren’t exactly unfancied, but they’ve definitely flown under the radar somewhat.

The Dutch are on a 19 game unbeaten run and will have the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie and Rafael van der Vaart to call on. Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst will win his 100th cap, assuming he plays. The only question mark is the fitness of Arjen Robben and his pingy hamstring. Denmark can rely on rocks like Daniel Agger and Christian Poulsen, but will likely be missing star striker Nicklas Bendtner.

WHAT’S AT STAKE
Group E
Both teams want points, they just differ on how many. Netherlands obviously want to start with a win and maybe even make the sort of statement Germany did against Australia yesterday. Denmark coach Martin Olsen has said he’ll be happy with a draw. Defeat for Denmark would make it that extra bit harder to beat Cameroon or Japan in the expected race for second place. For more, read our Netherlands and Denmark blogs.

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OUR PREDICTION
With Bendtner out, I’m backing the Dutch. Denmark will be no pushovers, but I predict a 2-0 win for the Netherlands.

FAN RESOURCES

Netherlands Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Netherlands Jerseys | Netherlands Tickets

Denmark Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Denmark World Cup Jerseys | Denmark Tickets