June 9, 2012 5:00 PM BST
Oblasny SportKomplex Metalist — Kharkiv
Referee: D. Skomina
Team News
Netherlands
There has been much speculation in the weeks leading up to Euro 2012
about whether Dutch manager Bert van Marwijk would opt to play both his
star strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie, despite
favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation. In qualifying, van Persie was often
deployed on the right side of the attacking midfield trio, but he played
the lone striker role in last weekend's friendly against Northern
Ireland, scoring twice in a 6-0 demolition.
Ibrahim Afellay also impressed in that game, scoring a very good goal
and winning a penalty. He could well start this game as a result in the
same attacking lineup, leaving van Marwijk with some outstanding options
on the bench, with Huntelaar, van der Vaart and Kuyt all likely to
feature as well.
Joris Mathijsen is a serious doubt for the opener in Group B with a hamstring strain sustained last week.
Wilfred Bouma is struggling to hold on to the left-back spot, with
youngster Jetro Willems playing well in the recent friendlies, while
Stijn Schaars is also an option to drop back into that position.
Denmark
Denmark have no fresh injury concerns, but there are a number of question marks over team selection in their ranks. Chistian Poulsen did not start the friendly against Australia last week and Niki Zimling may well start once again.
There have been doubts of late over Christian Eriksen's form, but there is little doubt about his place in the starting eleven given the creativity he provides and Denmark's reliance on that. Wass and Lars Jacobsen are in contention for the right-back spot.
Probable Lineups
Netherlands (4-2-3-1) : Stekelenburg, Bouma, Vlaar, Heitinga, Wiel, Jong, Bommel, Afellay, Sneijder, Robben, Persie.
Denmark (4-2-3-1) : Lindegaard, Wass, Kjaer, Agger, Poulsen, Kvist, Poulsen, Rommedahl, Eriksen, Krohn-Dehli, Bendtner.
Match Facts
Denmark have won their last 4 matches in EURO Cup.
Denmark have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches in EURO Cup.
Denmark have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches in EURO Cup.
Netherlands have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches in EURO Cup.
Netherlands have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Denmark in all competitions.
Prediction
The Netherlands are up there with the favourites to win Euro 2012 given the vast depths of attacking talent in their squad, but questions do still remain over their defensive options and whether that backline will be able to deal with the very best that Europe can provide. They have struggled to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst at left-back and that is where they might struggle, and also where the Danes may profit in this game.
Netherlands warmed up for the finals with a 6-0 rout of Northern Ireland last week, and though Denmark will put up more of a fight, the Dutch must be favourites here.
Rafael van der Vaart has highlighted the fact that his side are in the competitions' 'Group of Death' and that their opponents here should not be underestimated. Denmark have some quality players including youngster Christian Eriksen, who plies his trade in Holland, and could cause an upset, but that outcome is quite unlikely, and Netherlands should pick up an essential win if they are to win this group. The sides last met in the group stage at the 2010 World Cup, when the Dutch ran out 2-0 victors. A similar scoreline this time around is not too unlikely.
Netherlands 2 - 0 Denmark
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