Netherlands vs Denmark Match Preview
The Oranje will kick off their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign at last on Monday, June 14. The Netherlands will play in an all-European tie against Denmark at 11:30 GMT.
Netherlands – Some Players In, Some Players Out
Starting off with some bad news about the Oranje, winger Arjen Robben is set to miss his side’s match against the Danes. The Bayern Munich forward injured his hamstring against Hungary in a friendly match where he scored a brace to help the Netherlands win 6-1 in the end. Coach Bert van Marwijk confirmed Arjen Robben’s exclusion’s from Monday’s World Cup clash, declaring:
“We have avoid a possible injury relapse, especially since Arjen has almost not played or trained for the past three weeks.”
Robben is not the only player whose name won’t be in Coach Bert van Marwijk’s starting lineup. Ryan Babel, Ibrahim Afellay, and Eljero Elia are all expected to start from the bench. Holland’s presumed 4-2-3-1 formation will rather comprise the likes of players like Dirk Kuyt and De Jong.
Denmark defenders might have breathed a sigh of relief at this news, but the certain return of Rafael Van der Vaart indicates that the Danes should think twice. The Real Madrid midfielder, who scored a goal in the Netherlands’ 4-1 defeat of Ghana back on June 1, should find his place in the starting lineup.
Denmark To Upset The Oranje?
So Denmark stunned Portugal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Can they overcome the Netherlands for a perfect start in Group E?
Well, the fact is that Denmark will have to battle it out without the services of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner. The player has failed to recover in time from his groin injury so Danish fans will have to wait a few more days to know the fate of Denmark’s ace.
In the meantime, Coach Morten Olsen will have to content himself with the good news that first choice keeper Thomas Sorensen is now fully fit. The shot stopper will take his spot in goal as he has now recovered from his elbow injury. Will he be deceived by the potential of players like Van Persie or Wesley Sneijder?
