Here are the opinions of players and coaches after the game:

Coaches:

Ilija PETKOVIC (SCG)
It’s a real shame that we lost the way we did. Congratulations to the Dutch, even though we were the ones who had the better chances. The goal we let in was predictable, but there was nothing we could do about it. We played really cautiously, we didn’t want our defence to be opened up, but unfortunately our attack didn’t work well today. We can definitely do better than this. We have a good team and we will do our best to finish second in the group.

Marco VAN BASTEN (NED)
We are really happy with our opening match, it was very important to get this win. We played a very tough team and we’re pleased that we won. It was by no means an easy match, and we gave them a few decent chances. We started off well, particularly given the heat, but we got a bit tired later. Our fans were really great and they provided a fantastic atmosphere.

Players:

Arjen ROBBEN (NED, Budweiser Man of the Match):
We knew before the game that it would be difficult. We started well and controlled the game well at times, but our opponents also had their chances. The early lead helped us and we can be very satisfied when you take the heat into account. We slowed down a little in the second half but we can be happy overall.

Khalid BOULAHROUZ (NED)
The three points are very important because if you lose the first game you have to start doing the maths. We always try to improve and we want to step things up a level. We play as a team so my own performance isn’t important. I’ll have to do more in training to get in the team. The atmosphere was incredible.

Phillip COCU (NED)
I’m delighted with the three points and our good performance.

Jan KROMKAMP (NED)
We were solid in defence and our goalkeeper had a great game. Arjen Robben was outstanding.

Dirk KUYT (NED)
It was very difficult but we prepared very well. We’ll take each game as it comes and we’re very optimistic.

Rafael VAN DER VAART (NED)
We were very strong in the first half but tired a bit in the second 45 minutes. We scored a great goal though. I hope I’ll be fit for the next game. I’ve still got some problems with my foot but it’s getting better every day.

Ruud VAN NISTELROOIJ (NED)
We played a very tactical game today. We were strong at the back and were good going forward in the first half, but then we took our foot off the pedal.

Ivica DRAGUTINOVIC (SCG)
We’ve got a good team and there are still two games to make up for this defeat.

Dragoslav JEVRIC (SCG)
We knew the Dutch were very strong beforehand, but I don’t think we deserved to lose today. We just couldn’t manage to score, but we still have two games to put that right.

Mateja KEZMAN (SCG)
There are still six points to play for. We played good football today and were a bit unlucky to lose. We’ve got four days to recover now before the next game against Argentina on Friday, which is fortunate because it was extraordinarily hot for Germany.

Mladen KRSTAJIC (SCG)
It was an unfortunate defeat. We have drawn a very difficult group but there is still everything to play for. We tried everything and can be proud of our performance. The best team lost today. We had three on one for the goal, which isn’t right.

Danijel LJUBOJA: (SCG)
We didn’t play well in the first half and we paid for it. We were better in the second half but it wasn’t enough.

Ognjen KOROMAN (SCG)
It was a very difficult game because we started off without a properly-organised midfield formation, but we played better in the second half. It was hot but that is no excuse. This is the World Cup after all.

Source: WCoffsite players and coaches