World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/14/2010

Written by Aaron on June 13, 2010 – 2:30 pm -

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Dutch Denmark Group E – Game 1

Denmark vs. Netherlands

ESPN – 7:30 AM ET

Denmark:

The Danes are a very dangerous team who has a history of success in this tournament. They have never failed to get out of the group stages, and made it into the round of 16, twice out of the last three World Cups. Denmark has a very good mixture of old and young players, a side who relies on a holding midfielder to distribute and orchestrate. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the Danes advance out of this group to the next round.

More after the jump….

Denmark’s key players:

Niklas Bendtner: The late game heroics have become almost commonplace for the 22 year old Bendtner. But, as great as the strikers game winners and dramatic goals in the dying moments of games have been, his disappearing and bad decision making have been very hard for Arsenal fans to handle. His performance in the Champions League may be a good enough sign for us to believe that he will be a break out star in South Africa.

Christian Poulsen: A very aggressive and brash central midfielder, Poulsen has had his fair share of successes and failures on the pitch. Going from being named the best U21 player, to throwing punches that lead to multiple match bans. His aggressive play can get the best of him and lead to unnecessary cards, fouls and lapses in defense that allow shots on goal. But, when he’s on his game, opponents fear him and goals tend to come his way.

Netherlands:

Considered by many as the best team to never win a World Cup, The Dutch look to put their stamp on international soccer in this tournament with what looks to be their strongest team ever from the midfield forward, but a few questions on defense and in goal. A team that “would rather play attractive soccer and lose, than play ugly and win” will surely be entertaining to watch. They play fast, technical soccer and go by the name Oranje – That due to their uniforms that resemble a construction worker with numbers that look like they were taped on. This is a favorite team of mine, and i look for them to go deep into the tournament.

Netherland’s key players:

Wesley Sneijder: The versatile attacking midfielder has to be one of the best players in the world. His creative spark in distribution and his ability to shoot from distance keeps him as a threat from anywhere on the field. After being pushed out of Real Madrid this past season, Sneijder landed with Inter Milan, and went on to win three trophies. Watch for Sneijder to be in the running for the Golden Boot as the tournaments leading scorer.

Robin Van Persie: The pretty boy starlet for Arsenal in the English Premier League will be taking on a new role for the Dutch this World Cup. He will be a true number nine, expected to win a lot of balls and hold the ball up for Sneijder and company to get into the attack. Van Persie is coming back from a severe leg injury and will be relied upon for heavy minutes. Keep your eye on Van Persie to have a big tournament and remind us all who he is.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Netherlands 3 – Denmark 2) The two teams that will most likely advance out of the group battle to the end, but the Dutch find a piece of magic late in the game to secure all 3 points.

Taylor Fugate:

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