The Dutch opened their campaign in South Africa yesterday with a 2-0 victory over Denmark in Johannesburg.

It was not the most convincing of performances from the Oranje, who had to rely on a Daniel Agger own goal to break the deadlock seconds after the second half began.

Substitute Eljero Elia, who looked lively from the moment he was introduced, then set up the second five minutes from full-time to wrap up the win.

And Sneijder thought the result reflected the mark of a good team - one that is able to win under any circumstances.

"Of course we didn't play that well today, but we won, 2-0," he said. "I think the win is the most important thing.

"Let's not forget that these Danes in the first half did an excellent job because they studied us very thoroughly.

"But we improved a lot in the second half and got the result. So we are satisfied."

The Inter Milan midfielder also hailed the quality of players Bert van Marwijk's side had on the bench, with the injured Arjen Robben and the likes of Klaas Jan Huntelaar not even featuring at Soccer City.

He added: "I think in the second half we did very well, by running, beating players and showing our creativity.

"Also on the bench we have some fantastic players, who can come in and really make the difference.

"They have creativity and good ability. At some point in the second half, we saw that.

"We had a player that came on and made a difference."

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen felt his side showed what they were capable off against a formidable Dutch side.

"They're a good team, but we made them not as good as what people thought they were," he said.

The Stoke goalkeeper also predicted that their fellow Europeans, who are amongst the pre-tournament favourites, had a good chance of success in South Africa.

He added: "I don't think they play badly. I'm sure they'll go far.

"They have the players and you can see the quality they have coming off the bench as well.

"They have a good squad, so they should be among the contenders."