World Cup 2010 Know Your Rivals: Denmark reaction to Netherlands defeat

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 In this edition of Know Your Rivals, Goal.com's Michael Hansen analyses Denmark's 2010 debut defeat to the Dutch.

1 - Overall impressions of the game

 
It was obvious from the way both teams started the game that this was the opening game. Not many chances were created in the first half and the first chance befell Bendtner, who had a header just wide off the post after 27 minutes. Rommedahl and Kahlenberg had two half chances after that, but both were saved by the Dutch goalkeeper. The own goal from Simon Poulsen just after the break was harsh on Denmark as they had been able to keep the Dutch players from creating any goalscoring chances until then. After the openin goal The Netherlands seemed content with holding onto their one-goal advantage and they kept the Danes from threatening their goal for the remainder of the game. The second goal from Kuyt ended the Dane’s hopes of getting a draw and in the end it was a convincing win for the Netherlands.                                                                  

2 - Your team's best and worst player

Simon and Christian Poulsen share the honours. Simon did well in defence and apart from his unlucky own goal he played a good game. As did Christian, who was good in preventing the Dutch central midfielders from coming forward.

Lars Jacobsen had an awful second half after the introduction of Eljero Elia. Elia had no problems getting past him or running through him and The Netherlands' second goal was created by Elia, whom Jacobsen couldn’t stop.

Van Bommel | Solid in midfield

3 - Thoughts on the opposition

The Netherlands did not have to work too hard to win the game. They did not play at their best, but it was not necessary and they did just enough to win the game. Their defence and midfield looked very strong and they have a good left winger in Elia, who replaced Van der Vaart in the second half. Arjen Robben has found a serious contender in that position. Van Persie on the other hand still looks some way from being 100% match fit.

4 - Thoughts on the coach's tactics

 
Morten Olsen’s usual 4-3-3 formation seemed like a good way to prevent The Netherlands from going forward, but after Denmark conceded the goal at the start of the second half he didn’t seem to have any ideas of how to change the course of the game. Granted, Bendtner played despite not being fully fit, but Olsen had no choice because Tomasson was injured. But when Bendtner was replaced by Mikkel Beckmann it looked as if the formation was changed to 4-6-0 as Beckmann often had to come back and defend. And with no one up front Denmark had no chance of getting a goal.

5 - How this affects the next game (assuming there is one) and getting out of the group

Denmark have to win their next game against Cameroon having lost today. It will be very difficult, especially if Morten Olsen sticks to this usual 4-3-3 formation and if Bendtner is not fully fit it will be very difficult.

But we just have to go for a win as a defeat or even a draw could be the end of any hopes of going past the group stage.

6 - Comments on any controversial incidents (penalties, red cards etc)

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