Group E is yet another in 2010 which contains one clear favourite, and three other squads that will be left to fight for the coveted second spot. The Netherlands have not only the talent to win this group, but Bert van Marwijk’s side has a realistic chance of winning the whole thing. Meanwhile; Denmark, Cameroon, and Japan are just hoping to advance into the second round where anything becomes possible. There is a great deal of talent at the striker position in this group, so scoring goals should not be a problem.
The Netherlands only concern regarding group play appears to the health of Arjen Robbin who will not play in the team’s opening match due to a groin injury. Van Marwijk has stated that Robbin is only being sat down as a precaution to avoid further injury, because the manager knows Robbin will be in greater need later in the tournament. The fact the Netherlands are resting Robbin now is a clear indication that this side is best of the bunch in group E. Why wouldn’t they be considered the favourites? The team contains some of the most talented players in the world such as Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder, Jhonny Heitinga, and Mark van Bommel to name a few. There are questions at the back and in goal that will have to be answered later in the tournament, but this team should breeze through the group stage.
Many are thinking June 19th’s match between Denmark and Cameroon could decide who will finish second in the group. The winner of the match, provided there is one, will likely advance to the second round. The two sides appear to be evenly matched, and it could come down to the play of the two superstar strikers. Denmark will rely on Nicklas Bendtner to score most of their goals. He is a big body presence that will provide match-up problems for every team, but especially Cameroon. Cameroon’s weakness has always been at the back, particularly at center-back, and Bendtner has the type of talent to exploit those weaknesses.
Cameroon has a top notch striker of their own in Inter Milan’s Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o will be asked to provide most, if not all, of Cameroon’s offense. He will play all over the pitch in an effort to create space, and when Eto’o finds space, he has the talent to find the back of the net. Cameroon could be relying on Eto’o too much, but he has the talent to carry them through if the defense can play well enough to stop the opposition. Aiding Eto’o in the match against Denmark will be the fact that the Danes also have some holes on defense. Their defense lacks quickness, which could leave them exposed at times, and the game’s top strikers usually do not miss too often when given the opportunity.
Japan on the other hand, plays a very dedicated defensive system, but have trouble scoring goals. This team also struggles outside of Asia, which means it will be an uphill battle for Takeshi Okada’s side to find a way into the second round. Japan will be hoping to create turnovers, which could allow their talented midfielders to create on the counter attack. It will be a lot to ask of the defense given the talent every other team possesses up front.
The Netherlands will win this group fairly easily, as this team is focused on bigger and better things from this event. The second spot appears to be a battle between Cameroon and Denmark. Both teams are capable of earning the spot, but Cameroon will be desperate to show they are still one of the top teams in the world, and should feel comfortable playing in South Africa. Eto’o has proven he is a winner at the club level in recent years, and should prove it on the international stage this time around.
Predictions
1. Netherlands
2. Cameroon
3. Denmark
4. Japan