The Dutch masters will face Danish dynamite at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Fans of the beautiful game will keep an eye on Dutch stars Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder who won't get support from Arjen Robben who has recovered from a hamstring injury but is not ready to face Denmark.
Danish coach Morten Olsen will put his trust in the strong centre halfs Simon Kjaer and Daniel Agger who will have to stay focused for more than 90 minutes as they face one of the world's best forward lines. Liverpool winger Dirk Kuyt and Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart will feature alongside Sneijder and Van Persie who will get support from Bayern München captain Mark van Bommel and Manchester City pitbull Nigel de Jong.
Oranje will hope to continue the outstanding form of their preparation matches in which they stunned Mexico, Ghana and Hungary. Denmark doestn't have the backing of great friendly results considering their disapponting displays against Australia and South Africa.
The Netherlands are favourite in their group with Denmark, Japan and Cameroon battling for second place. However, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has warned his players ahead of the crucial first match.
"A lot of people will probably think that we will make it to the next round without too much trouble. However, our opponents shouldn't be underestimated," said Van Marwijk.
Star player Nicklas Bendtner is sidelined with an groin strain and won't be able to help his side against Oranje. He did had some mental support for his teammates: "It's important that we stay realistic. Of course we're going there to win the tournament, but having said that, we don't have the same means as other big countries," the Arsenal striker said.
"However, we'll do our very best. Denmark have produced plenty of upsets in football history, so why not again?"
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