‘No secrets’ as Dutch set to face familiar Denmark

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

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.

“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 on Saturday, saying there was no chance of taking Morten Olsen’s team lightly.

He continued: “Yesterday 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.”

Although admitting to being slightly anxious ahead of the clash at Soccer City, Van Marwijk insisted it was something positive to take into a game of such high importance.

“You need a bit of tension before a match,” he said. “That applies to every game, it’s no different now.

“Yes, there is a bit of tension, but this is good. It keeps you alive and makes you sharper.”

Netherlands are expected to have a fully-fit squad available, apart from Arjen Robben, who is still training separately following his pre-tournament hamstring problem.

For his part, Denmark coach Morten Olsen says he would be happy with a draw today.

The Dutch are again amongst the favourites for the title and Denmark will be expecting to compete for second place with Japan and Cameroon.

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 tomorrow. They have good individual players that play at top international level.

“It’s nice to be a favourite because if you’re the favourite (it) is because you (are) assumed to be better than the other team but we are certainly ready to take them on.”

The coach confirmed Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) “cannot play” and revealed that Jon Dahl Tomasson and Daniel Jensen are injury doubts.