Dutch beats Dans with double

Group E, 11:30 GMT, June 14, 2010
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa



Netherlands
2 - 0
Denmark

An own goal by Daniel Agger - thanks to Simon Poulsen's mistimed header - and a late Dirk Kuyt effort helped Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Denmark at Soccer City.

Scoring Summary

Netherlands	Denmark
Dirk Kuyt (85')
Daniel Agger (og 46')

Match Stats

Netherlands

Denmark

19(6)	Shots (on Goal)	11(3)
13	Fouls	21
6	Corner Kicks	2
4	Offsides	2
66%	Time of Possession	34%
2	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
3	Saves	5

Match Information

Stadium:	Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Attendance:	83,465
Match Time:	11:30 GMT
Official(s):	Stéphane Lannoy (Referee)

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Nigel de Jong - His tackling may be a little robust at times, but the midfielder's presence went a long way to ensuring the Danes were kept at bay. 

Netherlands verdict: The Dutch were clearly the better team but, unlike at Euro 2008, failed to hit the ground running. Perhaps this time they may grow into the tournament and find top form when it really matters.

Denmark verdict: Lacked any real creativity or penetration in the final third of the pitch. It is clear that scoring goals is going to be a real problem for this Danish side. Simply not in the same class as the Dutch at all.

Could do better: Nicklas Bendtner - The Arsenal striker missed a glorious chance in the first-half when the score was 0-0. We may say "could do better", but we don't actually know if he can.

Stat attack: Denmark conceded the 30th own goal in World Cup finals history.

Nigel de Jong