Denmark 1 - Netherlands 0: Shocking Result in Kharkov

The Group of Death opened with a bang as Denmark shocked the Netherlands 1-0 in Kharkov.  From the announcement of the starting line-up, fans hoping to see ‘Total Football’ were left disappointed with the selections of Nigel de Jong, and Mark van Bommel.  In addition, the Dutch left Kevin Strootman, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Rafael van der Vaart on the bench.  It was clear that Van Marwijk chose a less offensive side.

The Dutch controlled the initial twenty minutes as they dominated possession and set the tempo.  One of the pleasant surprises was the inclusion of Jetro Willems as the starting left back.  Willems is the youngest player ever to participate in the European Championships and he did not disappoint.  In the second minute of the game he delivered a dynamite cross and nearly put the Oranje ahead with a blast from 25 yards out, but the ball just cleared the bar.

Throughout these initial minutes the Dutch looked superior in every facet of the game.  Robin van Persie worked very well with Arjen Robben as they combined to create several opportunities, but they were unable to punish the Danes.  The Danes were content to sit back with eleven men behind the ball.  They gave the Dutch defenders plenty of respect, and let them pass the ball amongst each other without applying significant pressure. 

While the Dutch seemed to be in control, the tempo and urgency they displayed was incredibly frustrating.  Whenever they had a chance to counter attack or push the pace they slowed down, allowing the Danes to get back and reorganize.  In addition, there was a near refusal by the two holding midfielders, Van Bommel and de Jong, to push forward and participate in the attack.  In addition, other than Willems, the defenders either refused or were ineffective when attacking.  With Robben providing most of the threat along the right flank, it would have been great to see Willems switch sides and provide overlapping runs to create additional space for him.  However, Van Marwijk did not have similar feelings.  The Dutch had four or five players attacking against eleven, and they increasingly found it difficult to create opportunities.

The Dutch inability score came back to haunt them as Michael Krohn-Dehli put the Danes ahead 1-0.  After receiving the ball at the top of the 18-yard box, Krohn-Delhi dribbled past the Dutch defense and buried the ball between the legs of Dutch keeper, Maarten Stekelenburg.  The Dutch defenders should be embarrassed by their performance.  The few times they were called on, they were found wanting.

In a blink, the momentum shifted.  The Dutch showed a bit more urgency, but wasted two dynamited chances when Robben hit the post and Van Persie’s right foot failed him.  The Danes gained confidence and they increasingly gained possession for longer periods.  By the time the whistle blew for halftime, it was clear that the Dutch should have built a sizable lead.  However, the Danes were incredibly efficient.  They forced Stekelenburg to makes saves, while the Dutch consistently missed the target.

At the outset of the second half, I hoped to see changes in the Dutch line-up, but none were to be found. Despite being down a goal, Huntelaar sat on the sidelines. 

After the whistle blew, one thing became increasingly apparent, Wesley Sneijder was not going to remain quite.  Sneijder was largely invisible during the first half, but he came alive in the second. Just five minutes in, he provided Van Persie with a great chance to even the score but the Arsenal forward slipped.  Van Persie did not look like the player who scored 30+ goals this year.

One of the few bright spots for the Dutch was midfielder Ibrahim Affelay.  He pushed the ball forward whenever presented with an opportunity.  The Barcelona midfielder showed poise, vision, and creativity when he nearly tied the game in the 52^nd minute, but his shot went wide. 

By the 55^th minute, the Dutch attack seemed to dissipate. ESPN’s brief aerial view showed four Dutch players against eight Danish defenders, while the rest of the Oranje stood still and watched as if they were in the stands. 

Dutch supporters still hoped that Sneijder would rescue them.  His distribution was nothing short of incredible.  He delivered a perfect ball that Robben headed wide.  After this 63^rd minute header, one could only wonder when, if ever, Van Marwijk would finally bring in Huntelaar.

In the 70^th minute, Van Marwijk received the message.  Huntelaar and Van der Vaart went in for De Jong and Affelay.  I preferred to see Affelay stay on, and a defender sent off.   Unfortunately, not much changed after these substitutions.  A large part of the Dutch side stood still, and waited for Robben or Sneijder to create something out of nothing.  They were nearly vindicated when Sneijder made a brilliant pass to Huntelaar in the 74^th minute.  Huntelaar was alone with the keeper in a one-on-one, but the keeper made a great save. 

The last opportunity for the Dutch came in the 89^th minute when the referee ignored a clear hand ball by a Danish defender that should have resulted in a penalty kick.  It was only a matter of time until the final whistle blew. 

The most shocking part of the game was the lack or urgency in the final minutes from the Netherlands.  They looked completely deflated.  They did not have the fighting spirit that champions need.  They watched the Danes maintain possession in the final minutes as if there was another hour to play.  The lack of defensive pressure was very disappointing. 

The Dutch now have their backs up against the wall with Germany looming on Wednesday.  This is one of the greatest rivalries in soccer, and Germany will undoubtedly want to send them packing.  The match is incredibly intriguing. Today’s result takes Van Marwijk’s option of starting two holding midfielders out of the equation.  They will be forced to attack the Germans and get a victory if they are to advance out of the group stage.

For Denmark, this is a great result.  They shocked the world.  They fought hard, and played a solid game. They defended well, and challenged Stekelenburg.  Although they were not the better team, they converted their best opportunity.  Going forward, they will not be taken as lightly.  

By Jeff Graceffo