World Cup 2010 Group E Winners : Japan to face Paraguay and Netherlands plays Slovakia
No team in this group had ever won the ultimate prize in this competition. Netherlands were not only favourites to win this group but also to do one better than their golden era of 1970s, when they lost twice in the World Cup final matches. Although lacking experienced players, the Dutch squad was full of talented players, who were still to hit the peak of their careers. With Japan, Denmark and Cameroon also in the group, it was well poised to be a close affair but ended at 9-6-3-0 points tally. Each team in this group has claims for a good World Cup campaign.
Netherlands 2 Denmark 0: After the Danes had put off all the chances created by the Dutch in the first half, Simon Poulsen headed a cross on the back of his teammate Daniel Agger and the ball ended in back of this net only in first minute of the second period. A fine all-round performance from the Netherlands was rounded off with a tap in goal from Dirk Kuyt after the ball had come off the goal post from Eljero Elia's shot.
Japan 1 Cameroon 0: It all started from Cameroon’s performance in the 1990 World Cup that gave Africa rights to host this esteemed tournament but the Formidable Lions were on the verge of an early exit, after Japan caused a minor upset, winning the hard-fought match with the only goal coming from Keisuke Honda. Cameroon lacked any attacking threat after coach Paul Le Guen decided to play their star striker Samuel Eto’o on the right side.
Netherlands 1 Japan 0: Although Netherlands completed two wins out of two to confirm their place in the Round of 16 but they were made to work very hard by the Japanese side. Japan showed no fear against the attacking football of the Dutch side and continued threatening for the goal. Netherlands needed a sublime shot from Wesley Sneijder to open the scoring and then fought hard to stick to it.
Cameroon 1 Denmark 2: Cameroon benefited from Samuel Eto’o start in the middle of the attack, as they got lead in only the 10th minute of the match to get some hope of reviving their World Cup campaign. This dream was however short-lived as Denmark completed the first win of the tournament, after going trailing at one point while Cameroon became the first to be knocked out of the tournament. The Danish equaliser came after Nicklas Bendtner met a cross from Dennis Rommedahl before Rommedahl capped his wonderful performance by a well worked winner.
Cameroon 1 Netherlands 2: Robin van Persie got his first goal of the tournament in the first half. Netherlands had finished their previous two matches with clean sheets but a straight third was denied when Cameroon got a penalty kick after an unfortunate handball from Rafael van der Vaart. Samuel Eto’o scored from this penalty spot but it only proved to be a consolation as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar ended a magnificent move, involving Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. Robben had missed the opening two matches and with his return to full fitness, the Dutch squad will only get better in the knockout stage.
Denmark 1 Cameroon 3: Going into the last group match with a win needed to secure a Round of 16 spot, the Danes were confident of beating the well-organised, industrious Japanese side but all that mattered was what happened on the ground. Keisuke Honda was the key player for the Japanese campaign in this World Cup and he capped his outstanding performance throughout the group stage with a spectacular goal from free kick. Honda’s effort was matched by Yasuhito Endo to put it beyond the Danes. Veteran Jon Dahl Tomasson’s goal from the spot kick proved to be too little too late for Denmark, as Honda ran pass two helpless Danish defenders to put in way of Shinji Okazaki.
Netherlands will face Slovakia in the Round of 16 while Japan will tie up with the Paraguay.
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