Luck helps Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0

Share

Johannesburg: Netherlands needed a lucky own goal and a late strike by Dirk Kuyt to get their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 win over Denmark in their Group E match at Soccer City on Monday.

They took the lead just after halftime when Denmark defender Simon Poulsen's misdirected header from Dutch striker Robin van Persie's cross hit the back of fellow Dane Daniel Agger and went into the net for the first own goal of the tournament.

Image:Rafael van der Vaart, right, of the Netherlands celebrates after Denmark scored an own goal. At left are Denmark's Simon Kjaer, and Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

Coverage: FIFA World Cup