Oranje failed to set the World Cup stage alight, as they had to rely on an own goal and a tap-in to give them all 3 points today.

The game started slowly as the first shot on target came from Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt on the 10th minute.

Both teams were clearly devoid of ideas, as they resorted to long-range efforts on goal. Fortunately for the goalkeepers, none of the shots were threatening at all.

The current Dutch squad seemed to have picked up a lot of pointers from the class of 1978 as they seemed to fancy their chances from long way out. Sadly, they should have paid more attention to the physics of the Jabulani ball instead.

On the 43rd min, Van Persie decided to be indecisive as he shimmy-ed left and right before smashing the ball straight into the camera lens that was behind the goalpost.

The Dutch started off to a brightly in the second half as Van Persie’s cross met with Poulsen’s header and it pinball-ed Agger’s back which eventually bounced into the net.

There was a huge grin on the face of Poulsen when he put the ball in his own new. Certainly, the Danes all around the world do not share the same sentiment as him.

The ball hit the back of the net once again for the Dutch right on the hour mark.

However, it was ruled out this time as Van Persie was straying in an offside position. He then claimed his innocence by saying that he couldn’t hear the whistle when the referee reprimanded him.

Netherlands looked set to appreciate another own goal; this time courtesy of a deflection of Agger.

Fortunately for the Danes, the ball hit the crossbar instead and spared Denmark further blushes.

With 5 mins left to go, Dirk Kuyt doubled the lead when he tapped in from close range after Elia’s effort crashed into the upright.

Poulsen then redeemed his own goal endeavour as he cleared Afellay’s effort from 7 yards off the line on the 87th min.

The Flying Dutchmen failed to live up to their expectations as favourites of a team capable of bringing home the Jules Rimet trophy. Will they up their game in the forthcoming matches?