Forget the vuvuzelas, it's the Netherlands making the early noise in Group E, says FanZoner Jon Jerrome.
A hard-fought 2-0 win over Denmark bodes well for Holland
Forget the vuvuzelas, it's the Dutch making the early noise in Group E with victory over Denmark securing an all important three points.
However, despite their tournament arrival eagerly anticipated by many, the flair and flamboyance associated with the Oranje men largely failed to materialise during hard-fought competitive encounter.
In a first half lacking goal-mouth action, Bert van Marwijk's side struggled to demonstrate the pre-competition swagger which earned the status of tournament dark horses.
Indeed the only mark left on proceedings proved to be on Martin Jorgensen's ankle following a two-footed tackle from the fortunate Nigel De Jong, evoking memories of the infamous Battle of Nuremberg between the Netherlands and Portugal four years prior. Much like the game itself, the lunge wasn't pretty with the subsequent lack of punishment sure to leave many, including Australia's Tim Cahill, puzzled.
Needless to say, the second half saw improvement with Holland stepping up a gear to counter Danish resistance. And with elements of luck often separating the champions from the also-rans in major competitions, the omens look good for the Dutch as two fortuitous moments proved decisive in Johannesburg.
Disastrous
The opener, courtesy of Daniel Agger's back, owed much to Simon Poulsen's disastrous header which provided the World Cup's first comedy moment. Whilst they say at such times you have to laugh else you'd cry, the adage appeared to have been taken too literally by the latter whose subsequent grin would have surely gone down like a lead balloon in his home country.
Five minutes from time and victory was secured thanks to the tenacity of Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and a favorable rebound off the post. However, it was the vision and artistry of playmaker Wesley Sneijder who created the opportunity by carving open the opposition defence to play in the lively Eljero Elia. Having established himself as a vital figure in the side, fans will take heart from the performance of the Inter Milan star who looks set to impose his game and thrive in the coming weeks.
Whilst Monday's performance was unconvincing for large parts, the ability to grind out a positive result bodes well for the challenges which lie ahead. And with a healthy room for improvement, forthcoming clashes against Japan and Cameroon will provide the platform to establish the fluency and cohesion needed to fulfil the side's undoubted potential.
The final piece in the jigsaw may also be discovered with the return of Arjen Robben, who looks set to be unleashed in the final group game against Cameroon.
However, the next stop is Durban and a clash with the fellow opening-day winners from Group E. After being victorious in a battle of mediocrity offering a possible cure for insomnia, Japan will enter the game in a confident mood as they attempt to succeed where twenty previous opposition have failed by beating the Dutch. But can they really follow Switzerland's lead and shock the world?
Whilst football is a funny old game which rarely follows the script, don't be surprised to see the Netherlands buck the tournament trend by comprehensively sealing a last 16 place with a flurry of goals.
After all, it's about time this party got well and truly started.
