Highlights - Netherlands 2-0 Denmark

By Clarence Seedorf Dutch international midfielder and BBC pundit

The Netherlands didn't put in a convincing performance against Denmark, but the result was perfect for them. They deserved to win and can now approach their next game with confidence.

Teams seem to be afraid of losing in their opening matches at this World Cup and it was no different here. The first half was very cagey, but thankfully the game opened up in the first minute of the second half.

Daniel Agger's own goal was a little fortunate for the Netherlands but it helped the game as a spectacle. It loosened them up a bit and they started to play more freely after that.

I think they will get out of their group but there is still a lot of work for them to do. I watched Japan beat Cameroon afterwards and those two teams will have a big say in who goes through from Group E.

The Netherlands' next match, against Japan, will be fundamental, because if they can win, going through will be a done deal.

Eljero Elia created some much-needed excitement when he came on against Denmark

Germany are the team I've liked most so far at this World Cup. They played full attack against Australia and that's what more teams - including the Dutch - need to do.

We need to see more flair, which is something the Netherlands should not be short of, with players like Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. And there's also Eljero Elia, who changed the game positively when he came on in the second half, bringing some of what I'm talking about, a bit of buzz and excitement.

Of course things can go wrong if you take risks, but you have to if you want to create something.

Kuyt played very well against Denmark and the central midfield pairing of Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel also emerged with credit, but that was about it, which shows you how many quality players are still to find their best form.

Agger own-goal puts Dutch in front

Van Persie has said he thinks we are good enough to reach the semi-finals but I disagree - the aim must be to win the tournament. If you participate, you have to participate to win.

One thing I really liked against Denmark was that when Kuyt scored, everybody was there to celebrate with him. That is a good sign of togetherness and says a lot to me. This is a group that is united.

People always mention problems with unity in the Dutch squad but it isn't true. It was a big problem at Euro 96, when we lost to France in the quarter finals, but since then we have only had great groups.

Kuyt scores second for Dutch

In 1998 we had a fantastic group and fantastic tournament and Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 were the same, we didn't have any problems. Still I always hear this thing about disputes in the Dutch camp and I don't understand where the stories come from.

If there are question marks about this Dutch side, they concern the defence, because, in terms of quality, it is the weakest department of the team. Saying that, they didn't look vulnerable against the Danes.

And overall they won and have made a solid start. I would give them a good six out of 10 for their work so far.

Clarence Seedorf was talking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan in Cape Town

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