It is one of the tournament's deepest groups, but Group E fails to give the Netherlands another significant challenger, and while Denmark, Japan and Cameroon could all be argued as having pats into the knockout stage, none are likely to derail the Dutch. Who joins Bert van Marwijk's team in the final sixteen is likely to be determined be match-up as much as talent.
2010 World Cup Group E Preview, Predictions: Paving The Way For Brilliant Oranje
One of the world’s darling teams, the Netherlands, starts play in South Africa on Monday morning. Here is a look a the Dutch’s group, Group E.
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Match-by-match, here is SB Nation’s breakdown of World Cup 2010’s Group E:
Netherlands versus Denmark, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 7:30 a.m. Eastern, ESPN
Based on the number of people around the whole who think the Dutch can win their first World Cup, you could consider the Netherlands a dark horse. But then, the Dutch would always be a dark horse, as those fans, devoted to the culture of Dutch soccer, support the Dutch regardless of their relative merits. Brillant Oranje, total football, Johan Cruyff - for these reasons and more, there are a number of people who have no ties to the country who, every four years, want the Dutch to the break through.
This year's quest starts Monday in Johannesburg against Morten Olsen's Denmark, a team that won a UEFA qualifying group that featured likes of Portugal and Sweden. Denmark will play their own 4-3-3 against a Dutch team which, known for playing a 4-3-3, will play 4-5-1.
Both teams, however, have significant injuries. A hamstring problem looks set to keep striker Nicklas Bendtner out for Denmark. Defender Simon Kjaer and goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen are also battling injuries, and for the Dutch, Arjen Robben will not play.
But the Dutch likely have too much. Rafeal van der Vaart should move into the starting lineup, and in this match - in this group - Holland will not miss a beat. They have significant talent advantages, particularly in attack (with the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie), and carrying good form into the tournament, the Dutch look ready for another flying start: Netherlands 3, Denmark 0.
Japan versus Cameroon, Bloemfontein, 10:00 a.m. Eastern, ESPN
Cameroon look to follow in Ghana’s Sunday footsteps and win on African soil, though to do so the Indomitable Lions will have to show that the last year of international results should be forgotten. In that year, Cameroon nearly failed to get out of their African qualifying group, and their January performance at the African Cup of Nations engendered doubts as to whether they could get out of this group.
Most associate the Lions with Samuel Eto'o, the nation's leading goal scorer and captain. Those that do may know that two weeks ago, Eto'o threatened to leave the Cameroon team amidst criticism from Cameron great Roger Milla. The Internazionale striker has subsequently stayed, but the incident underscored a potential fragile in the team. You never want your best player and captain threatening to leave in the build-up to the tournament.
Beyond Eto'o, Cameroon has a collection of notable names: Alexander Song, Jean Makoun, Sebastian Bassong, Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Japan, on the other hand, relies on a roster of mostly J-League based talent that is relatively unknown to those whose first pursuits are European football.
Japan, however, carry a strong midfield into this tournament, with the likes of Makoto Hasebe, Yasuhito Endo, Yuki Abi and Keisuke Honda forming their ranks. Add in players like Shunsuke Nakamura and Daisuke Matsui and you have a deep, sound, and diverse midfield that, playing in a 4-5-1, can give Cameroon - a team with issues with possession and creating - problems.
Seeing a final of Japan 2, Cameroon 1 would surprise many who, thanks to 1990, have come to associate Cameroon with a certain level of play. But Japan has become a good footballing nation, and 2010 may be the year they show themselves capable beyond their own borders.
Netherlands versus Japan, Durban, 7:30 a.m. Eastern, ESPN
Unfortunately for Japan, their strength in midfield means they likely go into a like-for-like battle with the Dutch, and thanks to the presence of Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong, the Netherlands is better equipped to win that war. In addition, the number of options the Netherlands have in attack - and the angles from which they can attack - should challenge a Japanese backline that is not one of the team’s strengths.
Japan has some positives in a match-up again Holland. They have the ability to, once they get the ball, keep the ball, and their ability to run with the Dutch will help them regain possession. Unlike much Dutch opposition, Japan’s defending should not be stressed for having to follow Dutch off-the-ball runs into open spaces.
Eventually, the Dutch will start breaking down Japan, showing themselves the superior side as they get to six points and guarantee a knockout round place: Netherlands 3, Japan 1.
Cameroon versus Denmark, Pretoria, 2:30 p.m. Eastern, ABC
Denmark’s stronger organization would be a big advantage in this match were all their players healthy. Their player’s niggling injuries have lingered enough to ask whether they will be ready for Cameroon. If Bendtner, Kjaer, or Sorensen can not play, it could be enough to give Cameroon three points.
With those name in the lineup, it’s a matter of tactics versus talent, and you could see both teams having their moments. The Dane’s system takes advantage of the Cameroonian’s lack of creativity, while Cameroon is able to get a moment (or two) of greatness from Eto’o. With neither team having gotten points in their first match, both know that a loss likely curses them.
Still, you could see a Cameroon 1, Denmark 1, and although a draw keeps both (particularly Denmark) alive, one point puts each on the brink of elimination.
Denmark versus Japan, Rustenberg, 2:30 pm. Eastern, ESPN
Denmark's 4-3-3 features two defensive midfielders and a very attacking player rounding out their midfield three. Japan has a quick 4-5-1 that is technically adept and capable of keeping the ball. In qualifying, Denmark would sometimes go stretches where they allowed the other team a large chunks of possession, but against a Japanese team capable of taking advantage of a match where they're ceded so much of the ball, Denmark's midfield disadvantages become crucial.
Japan has to be conscious of winning this midfield battle, and if they do, they can win this match. Against a Denmark side that's efficient in attack, Japan needs to make the middle of the pitch as much of a minefield as possible and hope to limit the number of opportunities for the Danes.
I like them to do it, but I expect it could be close, and if Japan is behind in the second half, Denmark could end up with a comfortable-looking win after adding goals while taking advantage of Japan pressing. But for now, Japan 1, Denmark 1, with Japan going through to the knockout stage.
Cameroon versus Netherlands, Cape Town, 2:30 p.m. Eastern, ESPN2
Cameroon needs a win against a Dutch team that is already through to the knockout stage, but even if Bert van Marwijk rotates his team, the Netherlands are in such sync right now that bringing in the likes of Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Ibrahim Afellay and Eljero Elia will not give away any of their advantages.
For Cameroon, it ends up being another difficult tournament. They are a habitual qualifier for World Cups, but they have rarely seen success in group stage. In a group with two nations whose strength in midfield matches up well against the Lion's mids, Cameroon seems to have received an unfavorable draw. After Netherlands 3, Cameroon 1, the effects of that draw ill be seens: 1 point in group play.
Final Standings
Netherlands - 9 points
Japan - 4 points
Denmark - 2 points
Cameroon - 1 points
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