World Cup 2010 Group E: Netherlands vs. Japan Preview.
Netherlands and Japan got off to a flying start as both defeated their respective opponents in their opening matches of the World Cup. The encounter looks to be a promising one, with both teams contesting to top Group E and cement a place in the Round of 16 in South Africa 2010. The Netherlands defeated Denmark with a comfortable 2-0 victory, while Japan overcame a much resilient Cameroon side in a narrow 1-0 victory. Both of the teams looked to top their group by the time day 9 of the FIFA World Cup 2010 comes to a close.
This is not the first time these two sides have met. Netherlands played Japan in a friendly, 10 months earlier, and battered the ‘Blue Samurais’ to a famous 3-0 victory. Both the teams have been impressive in their World Cup qualifying campaign, with Netherlands being the first team to qualify besides the hosts South Africa. Japan also qualified in emphatic fashion, making it four consecutive appearances in the World Cup, with two games to spare.
Netherlands have been in good recent form, recording four wins in their warm up games, with a 6-1 mauling of Hungry being the highlight of their World Cup. Netherlands enjoys a talented and in form squad, with the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, Van Der Varrt and Arjen Robben creating chances at will in the midfield. Robben missed the first match due to an injury suffered in a warm-up game, but is expected to start this encounter. Even without Robben, the ‘Oranje’ outfit was able to overcome Denmark in a 2-0 victory, with Kuyt scoring on 85th minute after a disappointing own goal by Daniel Agger at the 46th minute.
Japan, on the other hand, had much difficulty in taming a talented Cameroon side, with the only goal by Honda in the 39th minute proving to be the decider in the match. Cameroon came close to equalizing when a late strike my Stephan Mbia was denied by the woodwork. Inter Milan Striker Sameul Etoo had a quiet game, and was unable to create and convert opportunities for his side. Japanese coach Takeshi Okada’s gamble to play Honda to play in central attacking role paid off, as Japan secured all three points behind Netherlands, only on goal difference.
Japan, however, has a tough task if they are to overcome the Dutch. Netherlands haven’t lost to an Asian outfit and has an impressive record against Asian oppositions in past meetings. Netherlands have bagged 10 goals in their three meetings with Asian sides, 3 against Japan and 5 against Korea Republic in France 1998. Honda is aiming to maintain his impressive performance against Cameroon in his new attacking role by using his knowledge of Dutch football, having spent two full seasons in the Dutch league.
Japanese Midfielder Daisuke Matsui claimed, “The Netherlands test is important for us if we are to get through the group phase. We lost our last meeting with them, so we are motivated to win this time around. It remains to be seen whether we can get a good result but we won’t give up without a fight”.
Netherlands are also conscious of Japenese threat. Midfielder Wesley Sneijder clarified, “The Japan game won't be easy as they play a good style of football, running a lot and combining well. In our last meeting they put us under pressure for an hour but eventually we won. The second match is crucial for both sides and we will go all out to win”.
The Netherlands versus Japan game has all the makings of a mouth-watering contest. However, given the depth and quality of Netherlands coupling with Robin Van Persie’s devastating form, the Dutch team is expected to secure all three points in this vital encounter and fortify their chances of securing a spot in the Round of 16. The game is expected to be high scoring one, and Netherlands is expected to dismantle Japan with a 3-0 victory.
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