Strong contenders, the Netherlands, have launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over a fighting Denmark. In their Group E opener in Johannesburg today, the Netherlands rode on a huge slice of luck to go into the lead barely a minute after the interval, courtesy a self goal from Denmark's Jakob Poulsen.

The goal came in the 46th minute. The Dutch sealed the fate of their opponents in the 85th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse.

The goal-bound move was initiated by Eljero Elia whose 10-yard shot was tipped to the post by the Denmark custodian Thomas Sorensen. Off the rebound, Kuyt tapped in from close, much to the delight of his teammates.