The Danes tactics in the first half were brilliant - a compact holding midfield and some great chances on the counter. The own goal at the start of the second half was truly a backbreaker, deflating the Danes halftime spirits. Had Denmark kept a clean sheet into the 60th minute or so, I would have fancied them for the draw, if not a one-nil win.
Dennis Rommedahl is my pick for Danish Man of the Match. Despite numerous complaints over his diminished pace, his work rate was phenomenal and he was a consistent threat on the wing. His service to Bendtner in the 27' was nearly perfect and simply should have been finished.
Accolades also go to Danish keeper Thomas Sørensen, who kept the superlatively talented Dutch attacking unit at bay. Although the scoreline indicates otherwise, the Dutch weren't able to legitimately best the Stoke City man on either goal. The own goal was completely beyond his control, and his fingertip save on Elia's late strike was a brilliant one - Kjaer and Jacobsen should have dealt with the rebound.
All credit goes to the Dutch, who despite an early lack of their definitive finesse, made some great tactical changes in the second 45 to open up Denmark's strong central defense. The own goal was a shame, but Holland generated some good chances and if they can find their rhythm will cause serious problems for their knockout stage opponents.
The Danes, although obviously disappointed to have come away without a point, should feel encouraged in having essentially stymied one of Europe's most potent attacking units, and should head into Saturday's match (against a heretofore uninspired Cameroon) gunning for a three point take. Look for Danish Dynamite to stretch their legs against a midfield far less threatening than that of the Oranje. While Cameroon has the advantage in pure pace, the organization and attacking guile of the Danes should be enough to see the Lions off.
Cameroon's earlier loss to Japan plays to the advantage of Danish Dynamite. Based on first round form, Denmark should come out with a win, but should the Indomitable Lions manage a draw, Denmark can still be through to the KO round with a win over Japan.
While by no means a pushover, Samurai Blue should have a difficult time piercing the strong Danish back four, while Bendtner, if fit, should take advantage of his size and strength to be a heavy threat in Japan's third, especially in set piece situations.
If the Danes are able to nurse their injuries and keep their confidence high, they should come out of group E under Holland, ready and able to threaten their first round opponents.
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