The Netherlands v Denmark – Saturday 9 June, 5pm kick off
Fifa rankings:
The Netherlands 4
Denmark 9
The third game of the tournament sees the competition go east into the Ukraine. Birthplace of the Soviet nuclear industry, the university city of Kharkiv will play host to the opening game of Group B. In every football tournament there is a group of death, and this year it’s Group B.
Tactics
The Netherlands, regrettably, will not be playing the total football of Johan Cruyff. Under Bert van Marwijk, the Dutch will play in a more pragmatic fashion. However, 37 goals in 10 qualifying fixtures for this tournament, indicates they know where the back of the net is. When in possession they will pass their way forwards from the back and without the ball they will play a pressing game.
It is likely the Dutch will line up in a 4–2–3-1 formation. As a consequence of this formation, Klaas– Jan Huntelaar, top scorer in the Bundesliga, will not make the starting eleven. Wesley Sneijder will have a pivotal role to play in the centre of the 3, and his ability to link up with Robin van Persie, despite their personal differences, will be a key part of any Dutch success.
Denmark finished above Portugal in qualifying for Euro 2012 and are capable of upsetting the Dutch. Whilst lacking the talent of the brothers Laudrup, the Danes do have two former Addicks in their starting line up. Due to an injury to Thomas Sorensen, Stephan Andersen will start in goal, and taking his place on the wing will be Dennis Rommedahl. Denmark will play in a similar, but slightly more defensive, manner to the Dutch, and will begin the game in a 4-5-1 format. If Denmark are to progress Christian Eriksen will have to shine in his creative role and Nicklas Bendtner will need to score.
One to watch:
The Netherlands – Robin Van Persie
Denmark – Christian Eriksen
Odds:
The Netherlands to win 4 / 6
Denmark to win 5 / 1
A draw 13 / 5
(Paddy Power)
Prediction:
A comfortable win for the Netherlands, albeit not by a large margin of goals.
The Netherlands 2 Denmark 1
However, I would like to see, a free flowing game of beautiful football in the style of previous eras. A game which looks like its heading for a thrilling draw where the sides have shared 6 goals between them, until the penultimate minute of the game, when the ball finds its way to Dennis Rommedahl………….
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Comments
Got so much potential like the English have in previous tourni's, but it's a question of bottle.
HUP HOLLAND HUP
I'll be keeping an eye on Rommedahl. He must have lost at least a touch of speed by now; not sure what else he'll bring.
Dane here. Can't wait to watch the game, though we've learned to lower our expectations, based on our results from the last couple of years - South Africa was a pretty good example (it really felt like we never arrived there two years ago). The positive thing is though, success has always been extra sweet, when it does come.
What a group we have landed in too, don't know what's up with Portugal and the draws we've been in recently, we seem to meet each other time and again... Though it's gonna be tough and the odds are completely against us, I quite like the underdog role. Here's hoping for a very exciting and entertaining game with a lot of good football. Don't count us out! Rommedahl, by the way, has been VERY important in the qualifications - look for the through passes from Eriksen out to him on the wing.
Lookout, from what I've heard Dennis still has that pace, whether his ability has improved that I don't know.
Thanks for the write-up @SheffieldRed, nice one!
Dennis certainly hadn't lost his pace a few months back and as Sasquatch wrote he has beena very important part of the qualifying. As for ability try looking up his volley in the 1-1 in Oslo.
One point in Sheffield's preview I would take issue with: whether or not Eriksen has the talent of a Laudrup is probably an unanswered question, he is only 20 and the mere fact that he should be (correctly, in my opinion) marked down as one to watch suggests the potential for far more to come.
And the fact that he and Dennis have spent so much time in Dutch football makes for an interesting match-up
A Penalty to be awarded ( 3-1 Betfair)
Van Bommel to be shown a card ( 7-4 Betfair)
Holland 1 v Denmark 1
Enjoy!
In my case the Gestapo is 600km away but I have no doubt strenuous efforts will be made to ensure my compliance.
She hates football but will watch the match. I will be texting Brother in Law in Denmark lives near Slagelse. (COYR)
youtube.com/watch?v=aY3qivCJm3c
@ Dansk_Red & sasquatch something to get you in the mood guys. :-)
Kom så danmark!
Let's do this!!!
Holland are looking dangerous so far.