Netherlands v Denmark Mon 14 11.30pm

TEAM NEWS

Netherlands winger Arjen Robben has joined up with the squad in Johannesburg following treatment on a hamstring injury, but will not play any part against Denmark. Rafael van der Vaart is expected to deputise.
Despite Denmark coach Morten Olsen falling ill with fever earlier in the week, none of the players have reported ill. Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is struggling to overcome a groin injury and is unlikely to be risked, while Olsen must decide whether to start with defender Simon Kjaer, who hurt his right knee in a friendly against Senegal. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is expected to play for the first time since dislocating his right elbow in April.

MATCH PREVIEW

Over three hundred years after they first arrived in South Africa, the Dutch are hoping to conquer the continent again. In 1652, Dutchman Jan van Riebeck was the first European settler in South Africa, and fittingly the Netherlands were the first European nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Bert van Marwijk's side breezed through qualification with a perfect record, but their next challenge is to shake off their reputation as nearly men.
Many believe the 1974 and 1978 World Cup runners-up have what it takes to go one better this time. Van Marwijk's squad is bursting with attacking talent and are unbeaten since September 2008, a run of 19 fixtures. Their latest victory was a 6-1 thrashing of Hungary, although the win came at a cost with an injury to Arjen Robben that has thrown the winger's participation into doubt.
Little has been said at this World Cup about Denmark, but they command respect for winning their qualifying group ahead of Portugal. But their form coming into this tournament has been far from impressive with warm-up defeats to both Australia and South Africa in recent weeks.
Unlike the Dutch, Denmark's squad contains few stars, but veteran coach Morten Olsen has plenty of experience to call upon in the likes of Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, winger Dennis Rommedahl and former Newcastle forward Jon Dahl Tomasson. But Olsen will need Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and first-choice goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen fully fit if they are going to make an impact.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
- These sides have met on 28 previous occasions, but never at the World Cup.
- The Netherlands have won 11 to Denmark's 7, and there have been 10 draws. Their last meeting was a 1-1 friendly draw in May 2008.
Netherlands
- The Netherlands have not lost an opening match at the World Cup since 1938, when Czechoslovakia beat them 3-0.
- Giovanni van Bronkhorst will win his 100th cap if selected.
Denmark
- Denmark have never drawn a match against European opposition at the World Cup. Six previous encounters have ended in three wins and three defeats.
- Morten Olsen's side have lost their last two matches, both by a 1-0 scoreline.
- Jon Dahl Tomasson needs one goal to join Poul Nielsen as Denmark's all-time top scorer.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France)
Assistants: Eric Dansault, Laurent Ugo (both France)
Fourth official: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_09/default.stm

You ain't much if you ain't Dutch etc.

Tell me when it starts.  Watching the stocks on Sport 3.

robben willn not feature today, so my bet on him not to score is looking good then

It might be refunded then? Thought most bookies refunded those bets if they dont start.

i think so ae