Johannesburg: Nicklas Bendtner was surprisingly named to lead Denmark’s attack against Netherlands in their opening Group E match at Soccer City on Monday.
Coach Morten Olsen had said on Sunday the 22-year-old striker, who was recovering from a groin injury, would not be fit enough to play against the Dutch.
Rafael van der Vaart comes in for Netherlands on the left wing in place of the injured Arjen Robben, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and only joined the squad two days ago.
Central striker Robin van Persie will also get support from Dirk Kuyt on the right with the in-form Wesley Sneijder pulling the strings in midfield.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will lead out the Netherlands on his 100th international appearance.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, June 14, 2010, 17:45