Netherlands-Denmark 2-0
Van der Vaart: "Play bad and win..., I'm happy"

Monday, 14 June 2010

It was almost undutch, the way Holland played against Denmark. The team of Bert van Marwijk played poorly, but didn't sustain any damage. In the past it would often happen that Holland would suffer defeat on days like these.

"Play bad and win..., I'm happy," said Rafael van der Vaart. "It was all very troublesome, especially in the first half. Both teams had to adapt to the circumstances. It wasn't hard to see. Fortunately we didn't have to play our best game to take the three points. The opening goal was fortunate, after that it all went a bit easier."

The game against Denmark was played at an altitude of 1,800 meters, but the next two games will be at sea level, in Durban and Capetown. "That's good. I'm sure it's easier to play there. You can really feel that you're high up here. After two dashes you're out of breath. On top it was very dry and dusty in the stadium. I had a dry mouth within minutes."

According to Van der Vaart it wasn't only the altitude, but the kickoff time as well that affected the players. "When we woke up this morning we didn't get a normal breakfast, but a plate of spaghetti. We don't get that everyday."