Netherlands v Denmark - Preview

Published: 14 Jun 2010 - 11:14:22

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Holland coach Bert van Marwijk concedes there are "no secrets" between his team and opening World Cup opponents Denmark ahead of their clash in Johannesburg.

The Dutch, perennial under-achievers at global events, are again amongst the favourites for the crown in South Africa, but their first challenge is to progress from Group E, which also includes Japan and Cameroon.

But first up for the Oranje are their European counterparts, who have plenty of knowledge of their opponents due to the number of Danes that ply their trade in the Eredivisie.

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- Group E Focus

"We have enormous respect for any opponent, but also for Denmark," he said. "They are two teams that know each other through and through. I don't think we have any secrets from one another.

"We have the same ideas when it comes to football." However, he was hoping to avoid a result similar to England's against the United States in Rustenburg, saying there was no chance of taking Morten Olsen's team lightly.

He continued: "On Saturday we saw a game that may seem easy to win, England and USA. (end as a draw). "So we're not going to underestimate Denmark by any means.

"All I am interested in is the Dutch team. I think two years ago I said that this is the most important match, the first one of the World Cup, and we'll do everything in our power to win it."

Denmark boss Olsen insists nothing is impossible for Denmark when they come up against Holland, but concedes that a draw in Johannesburg will be a satisfactory outcome. For the Danes, who have progressed to the knockout stage in all three previous appearances at the finals, the game cannot come quickly enough.

"While I've been coach, I think this is the longest training period we've had prior to a major championship," Olsen explained.

"That's been good, but now the preparations are over and that's a good thing. The players want to get going, they want to get cracking with the real matches.

"We're ready and we are proud to be representing our country at such a big event."

Asked about what a realistic outcome from the opening game would be, Olsen continued: "A good result would be a draw for us. "Let me say that the Netherlands are the favourites. They have good individual players that play at top international level.

"It's nice to be a favourite because if you're the favourite is because you assumed to be better than the other team but we are certainly ready to take them on."