Denmark await wounded Dutch

Foppe de Haan has promised changes in both personnel and performance as the Netherlands tackle Denmark in what could be "a fantastic match" in Group B.

Outfoxed
The 62-year-old felt his side were "naïve" in allowing themselves to be outfoxed by Ukraine as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday. "We need to be a bit smarter," said the coach ahead of a meeting with a Denmark team whose own tale of woe saw them relinquish a 3-1 lead and two points against Italy. "The wingers did not work enough which led to the midfield being overrun. When Ismaïl Aissati came on the balance was better; he will start against Denmark."

Emanuelson move
De Haan refused to speculate as to who else might come in, although Urby Emanuelson will drop to left-back - where he plays for AFC Ajax - at the expense of Edson Braafheid to accommodate Aissati. The other full-back Paul Verhaegh could also be under pressure after playing four players onside - he had not heard the call to push out from Gijs Luirink as a free-kick was floated into the Dutch box - in the move which led to Ukraine's decisive second goal. The fit-again Dwight Tiendalli stands by.

'Fantastic match'
Romeo Castelen was to undergo late tests to determine whether a thigh strain could withstand the rigours of a second match in 48 hours. If it cannot, Patrick Gerritsen - who marked his arrival in Portugal with a 24-hour sleep to recover from representing FC Twente in the Dutch play-offs - could deputise. "I have spoken with the boys about what is required against Denmark," De Haan said. "They play to a high standard so we have to play even higher - it could be a fantastic match."

Plus points
De Haan reserved praise for Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner, who shone on his full debut in the 3-3 draw with the Azzurrini: "He enables them to play on the counterattack as he's strong, keeps the ball at his feet and really works for the team." Bendtner's display was one of many plus points for Flemming Serritslev on a night which ended flatly following Rolando Bianchi's added-time equaliser. "We were disappointed at the end but cannot remain that way if we want to progress from the group," said the Denmark coach.

'Counterattack'
Serritslev "was not surprised" by Ukraine's victory and urged his side "to take the initiative" as they return to Aveiro. He continued: "The Dutch play in a different way to the Italians; they like to build from the back and we'll have to watch their speed to avoid being vulnerable on the counterattack. Ideally, we'll do the same as we did in the first half against Italy. If we win, we can relax a little and try to recuperate as having only one rest day between matches is tough."