Today

Netherlands vs Denmark  (12:30)
 
APR Dutch Coach Erik Paske insists that his home country ‘the Netherlands’ has what it takes to stage a good performance at this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

The Netherlands start their World Cup quest this afternoon in Group E as they take on Denmark at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium and Paske believes the team is well equipped to see off the Danes.

"They have the quality and don’t seem to be in the spotlight which is a plus for them,” said Paske.

When asked whether the team can make it to the finals, Paske said, "reaching the final in such a tournament depends on very many things; the form on the day, injuries and luck among others.”

The Dutch looked very strong in the qualifying round and will be looking to fulfill their tournament goal of making the final.

With Arjen Robben certain to miss today’s game, Holland’s head coach Bert van Marwijk is expected to unleash Robin Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt.

Denmark is also likely to be without their star striker Nicklas Bendtner. By press time, reports from the Danes’ camp indicated that the Arsenal forward was still nursing a groin injury.

During the qualifying campaign, Denmark surprised Europe with a series of big wins against the likes of Sweden and Portugal. In Denmark’s three previous World Cup appearances, they have never failed to advance past the group stages.

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