2010 FIFA World Cup: Eljero Elia Shines in Netherlands Opener

Eljero Elia came on as a second half sub to lift the Netherlands to a scrappy 2-0 victory over an organized Danish side in group play of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

The clockwork orange seemed to sputter and creak for much of the first half.  They dominated possession. However, the Danes seemed more than capable of absorbing the pressure and arguably created the more threatening opportunities in the early stages of the match.

With Arjen Robben sitting on the bench, nursing his injured hamstring, the Dutch appeared to lack speed and ingenuity.  The other three members of the "fabulous four," Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, and Rafael van der Vaart, showed flashes of the brilliance fans have come to expect of them.  However, it was the hard working Dirk Kuyt who seemed to be making most of the difference on the pitch.

Van Persie in particular, had several chances but seemed hesitant in front of goal and more than once allowed himself to be foiled by Danish keeper Thomas Sorensen.

The first half came to a close scoreless with the Dutch having been pushed back onto their heels for the final 10 minutes or so.

The Netherlands started the second half in an attacking mood and the pressure immediately paid off when Simon Poulsen and Daniel Agger combined to gift the Dutch an own goal while attempting to clear a ball in from van Persie.

However it wasn't until Elia came on for van der Vaart that the Dutch attack really sprang to life.  Elia, whose speed and maneuverability make it obvious to compare him with Robben, made an immediate impact on the match. 

Dividing two Danish defenders, he teed up a shot for van Persie, who again hesitated in front of goal long enough to lose his chance.  Moments later Elia fired in a shot that forced Sorensen into action again, punching away the shot.  Mark Van Bommel pounced on the rebound but only hit the side netting.

Elia was again involved when the Dutch finally did double their lead.  Ditching his marker, Elia beat the keeper, only to have his shot go off the post.  But Kuyt was Johnny-on-the-spot, coming in to neatly tap the rebound into the back of the net.

The match finished 2-0 with the Dutch showing signs of the modern brand of total football fans are hungry to see at this tournament.  Denmark, for their part, put up an organized resistance and could be considered favorites to go through behind the Dutch.