Holland national team boss Bert van Marwijk was delighted to have gotten away with a win in the first World Cup match.

The Dutch side did enough to take all three points with a 2-0 win over Denmark in Johannesburg and the result was welcomed by van Marwijk who was hoping for a solid start to the tournament.

"I've been thinking about this first game for a long, long time," he said.

"I've always said that this was the most important match because a good beginning to a world championship is so important.

"It's always a tough match. Today, as you could see, there was a bit of tension with the players. It was difficult, but we won, which is the most important thing.

"Beforehand, I think we were the favourites, so you know you're going to face a very defensive opponent," he added.

"That means that in your build-up, you cannot afford to make many mistakes. But we played well, we didn't give away too many opportunities and all the players should be complimented for that.

"I think we made a reasonably good impression and that we never panicked, not for one moment.

"In the end, we are really pleased with this win."