Van Marwijk happy with opening win

Bert van Marwijk
12 April 2012

Bert van Marwijk stressed the importance of winning the opening match after Holland began their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Denmark at Soccer City.

A second half own goal by Daniel Agger and a late Dirk Kuyt effort were enough for the highly-fancied Dutch, but it was not all plain sailing in Johannesburg.

"I've been thinking about this first game for a long, long time," said Van Marwijk. "I've always said that this was the most important match because a good beginning to a world championship is so important."

The Dutch struggled to create openings in the first period, before the goal came in fortuitous circumstances to break the Danish resistance.

They eventually held on for a good start to Group E, which also includes Japan and Cameroon, and for their coach it was just reward after years of planning.

"It's always a tough match, as you could see, there was a bit of tension with the players. It was difficult, but we won, which is the most important thing."

Van Marwijk, whose side always flatter to deceive at major global events, struggled through the first 45 minutes and looked short of ideas without the injured Arjen Robben. But they looked a changed team after the break.

The coach said: "Beforehand, I think we were the favourites, so you know you're going to face a very defensive opponent.

"That means that in your build-up, you cannot afford to make many mistakes. But we played well, we didn't give away too many opportunities and all the players should be complimented for that.

"I think we made a reasonably good impression and that we never panicked, not for one moment. In the end, we are really pleased with this win."

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