While there are still many possibilities for some remaining groups, the picture is quite simple in Group E. The Netherlands, as expected, are already through to the last 16. They lead the group with six points. Cameroon has been a disappointment so far as they have yet to earn a point in group play and as a result, are already eliminated from the knockout stage.
The Netherlands have yet to concede a goal. They got by Denmark with a 2-0 win then took out Japan with a 1-0 victory. They are advancing and will likely win the group unless Denmark or Japan scores a huge victory in their match against each other. The Netherlands came in as the hands down favourite to win Group E. They have shown why so far. They may not have blown out their first two opponents, but they certainly earned both victories.
Cameroon, however, has really struggled through their group matches. They only scored one goal in their losses to Japan and Denmark. Also, Cameroon’s best player, Samuel Eto’o, has not found the net, nor has he had many opportunities to score. Cameroon came into the tournament being picked by many to join the Netherlands in advancing to the Round of 16, but that will not be happening as no result can help them advance.
Essentially, this game comes down to the Netherlands wanting to finish first in the group and Cameroon wanting to salvage some pride. A Netherlands win would surely keep their momentum going heading into the next round. However, if Cameroon somehow pulls off the upset, it would be a great moral victory and would give them something to build on heading into their next attempt to qualify for the World Cup. One by one, African teams are disappearing from the tournament and the Cameroonians are about to play their last game of the tournament.
One question may be how much winning the group means to the Netherlands. The past would suggest that they will be going for the win. Many may look to the Euro Cup two years ago when the Dutch were guaranteed to advance past the group stage. They played their hearts out to beat Romania 2-0 to win their final Group C match.
In their tune-up match for the knockout stage, Oranjes Wesley Sneijder may be a key factor in the game unless coach Bert Van Marwijk decides to rest him for the next round. He is the catalyst of the Netherlands attack and can create nightmares for any team he faces.
If Cameroon is to save face and head home with at least one victory, they’ll need the best game from their striker Eto’o. Eto’o has already expressed disappointment in his performance in the World Cup and in his team’s performance. The star of Inter Milan hopes that he can pick up his game and contribute to deliver a moral victory, not just for Cameroon, but for the continent of Africa as they do not have much to cheer for at the moment.
The outcome of this match makes no difference, but don’t be surprised to see the Netherlands coach Van Marwijk send his players full steam ahead into their last group game. He’ll want to keep the momentum going into their last 16 game where they may face Paraguay, Italy, New Zealand or Slovakia.
Once their time in the knockout stage comes, it’ll be time for the Dutch to show that they will not end with the same old story of coming up short in the big game.
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