Kuyt: Netherlands must beat Denmark in Euro 2012 opener

Jun 8, 2012 10:38:00 AM

The former Liverpool player believes the Danes have improved since their last meeting with Oranje but feels a victory for his side is vital in the European Championship opener

Dirk Kuyt says Netherlands must win their opening match of Euro 2012 against Denmark if they are to have a successful campaign.

Bert van Marwijk's men met the Danes in their first game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and their 2-0 victory over Morten Olsen’s men spurred them on to reach the final of the competition.

And Kuyt, who scored Netherlands’ second goal of that game two years ago, insists Oranje must overcome the Scandinavians once again if they are to reach the Euro 2012 final in Kiev on July 1.

	DUTCH DEJA VU?
6/1	Netherlands are 6/1 to beat Denmark 2-0 with Euro 2012

However, he expects a more difficult challenge this time around as he believes Denmark have improved since their meeting in Johannesburg.

“The World Cup has shown us how important it is to win the first match,” the new Fenerbahce signing told NU Sport.

“We have to do that again.

“Denmark have improved a lot since then. They have won five of their last six meetings with Portugal, which indicates that they are a stronger team and have become more stable.”

Netherlands' clash against Denmark in Kharkiv on Saturday kicks off at 18:00CET.

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