World Cup 2010 Day 4 Schedule, Preview, and Predictions: The Defending Champs Debut
The Netherlands and Italy start their World Cup 2010 campaigns on Monday, with the two soccer powers brining drastically different form into the South African World Cup.
Two traditional powers open their 2010 World Cup on Monday, with the Netherlands facing Denmark in the day's opener and reigning World Champions Italy taking on Paraguay in the third match. But aside from opening on the same day, there are few similarities between the Dutch and Italians. The Dutch are in top form coming into the World Cup, with the Italians carry a number of questions about form and age into their title defense.
Monday’s schedule for the third day of World Cup 2010:
Netherlands verus Denmark, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 7:00 a.m. Eastern, ESPN
Where They Stand: The Netherlands are the prohibitive group favorite and have a number of tactical, talent advantages over the Danes. Denmark has injury concerns to Nicklas Bendtner, Simon Kjaer and Thomas Sorensen. Practically, the Danes are just looking to play well and hope for the best. It sounds trite, but against a nation that tends to start tournaments very strong, Denmark can't put too many eggs into this open-match-basket.
Player To Watch, Netherlands: Ever since returning to action from the long-term ankle injury, Robin van Persie has looked sharp. The lone man at the top of the Netherlands formation, van Persie could be the beneficiary of the big advantages the Dutch have in midfield.
Player To Watch, Denmark: Central defender Daniel Agger would have his hands full under normal circumstances against the Dutch, but with partner Simon Kjaer possibly out, the Liverpool man shoulders a biggest load as one of the Danes’ last lines of defense.
Prediction: Netherlands 3, Denmark 0, as the Dutch cruise to their customary, convincing opening match victory. But take heart, Denmark fans. This is your toughest match in group. Even if Denmark loses, the important matches of the group still lie ahead.
Cameroon versus Japan, Pretoria, 10:00 a.m. Eastern, ESPN
Where They Stand: Expectations will be high for Cameroon, who are expected to be one of the African teams to challenge for a knockout round spot. Few expect them to stumble against Japan, while Japan has its own raised expectations. Their coach has set a goal of a semifinals appearance.
Player To Watch, Cameroon: Alexander Song’s performance will be vital in offsetting the advantages Japan has in midfield. With skill and depth in their 4-5-1, Japan has an advantage against Cameroon, who could go 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 but lack the options in midfield to contain the Japanese man-for-man. Song, however, is somebody who can offset that advantage.
Player To Watch, Japan: Shingo Okazaki is advertised as the striker Japan’s never had, somebody who is good for a goal every two games. In a match where he is likely to see a number of opportunities created by his midfield, Okakzaki’s finishing would give Japan a surprise win.
Prediction: Okazaki along with some Cameroon turmoil coming into the tournament combines with general poor results over the last year of Indomitable Lion football to give us a Japan 2, Cameroon 1 result. Surprise.
Italy versus Paraguay, Cape Town, 2:30 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
Where They Stand: Defending champions Italy come into the tournament with a number of questions, having brought back a number of players from the Germany 2006 team who have struggled at club-level over the last few years. Was Italy's disappointment at Euro 2008 indicative of those struggles? Regardless, they are still considered the group favorite, and Paraguay would be happy with a point
Player To Watch, Italy: Fabio Cannavaro was the best player at the last World Cup but has not played well since. In the middle of a defense that could be vulnerable, Fabio Cannavaro will be counted on by Marco Lippi to regain some of his world-beating form.
Player To Watch, Paraguay: Lucas Barrios is new to this fight, having gained his Paraguayan passport in March (whereas he had previously planned to represent Argentina). The forward has a natural tendency to go left, which would have him attack Italy's suspected defensive weakness: Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta.
Prediction: Italy could have a slow start to the tournament, but Paraguay is likely to be reverential of the defending champions. Italy 1, Paraguay 1 would be a success for Gerardo Martino.
