Group E - 2010 World Cup - South Africa Car Rentals

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Group E - 2010 Football World cup- Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group E is not only an interesting mix of footballing styles; it is also a mix of footballing mentalities. The Netherlands is the big name in the group and the favourite to progress. However, despite being hot favourites, the Dutch players can also be hot-headed.

Denmark will be looking to capitalise upon any squad disharmony amongst the Dutch. Japan will work hard, and they’ll need to, in order to get anything from this group. Cameroon, meanwhile, is often an unknown quantity.

Netherlands

The Dutch have never won a World Cup despite reaching the final twice during the 1970s. In recent years, player squabbles and infighting have often unsettled and weakened the Dutch national team. This is unfortunate as the Netherlands possess a wealth of talented footballers. If squad harmony can be maintained, they will be a powerful force in South Africa.

The Dutch dominated their Group 9 qualifying stage to earn a place in South Africa. With only Scotland and Norway to provide any real opposition, the Netherlands won all 8 games, scoring 17 goals and conceding only 2.

The Netherlands will probably stick with their traditionally expansive and fluid style of football in South Africa. With players such as Arjen Robben, Rafael Van der Vaart, Ryan Babel and Robin Van Persie, they certainly have the personnel to do so. Dirk Kuyt and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, meanwhile, should be able to turn good supply into goals. With all this attacking flair at their disposal, the Dutch will be relying upon solid midfielder Nigel de Jong to keep everything tight.

Denmark

Like the Netherlands, Denmark finished on top of their World Cup qualifying group. The Danes, however, did so against far tougher opposition, most notably Portugal, Sweden and Hungary. South Africa 2010 will be Denmark’s fourth World Cup and the Danes will be looking to progress, at the very least, from the group round.

The Danes are a determined and hard-working team, but whether they have enough flair to get far in the tournament is debatable. Getting through Group E, however, is a distinct possibility. Coach Morten Olsen has a disciplined and relatively experienced squad to choose from. Thomas Sorensen will be dependable in goal and Daniel Agger will help solidify the defence. The Danes will be relying heavily on Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner to get them some goals.

Denmark will play the Netherlands in the opening game of Group E. If the Danes can win or draw this match they will be in a good position to finish the group in at least second place.

Japan

Japan is the weakest team in Group E, a fact supported by its current FIFA World Ranking of 43rd. A second place finish in their World cup qualifying campaign was enough to get to South Africa but it was far from impressive.

Group E will be a huge test for the Japanese. They will be determined, dogged and full of desire, but they do not have enough quality players to pose a serious threat. Experienced midfield playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura will be Japan’s key player. He is one of the few players in the Japanese squad who plays top-flight European club football.

If Japan are to have any success in Group E they will have to get at least one point from their opening game against Cameroon.

Cameroon

South Africa 2010 will be the sixth World Cup finals in which Cameroon has taken part, more than any other African nation. Cameroon’s qualifying campaign, however, started poorly, resulting in the sacking of team coach Otto Pfister. Paul Le Guen was brought in to replace him and the Frenchman led his side to a first place finish.

Cameroon will look at Group E as a good opportunity to make the knockout stages. The “Indomitable Lions” will play their opening game against Japan and a win here will give them 3 vital points before they face Denmark and then the Netherlands. Picking up points against these two teams will be a challenge, but if the Cameroonians can play at the top of their game then qualification is not beyond them.

There is enough pace and power within the Cameroon squad to trouble opposing teams. Striker Samuel Eto’o will spearhead the Cameroon attack and much will depend on him, while Arsenal’s Alexandre Song will help provide a solid platform in midfield.

Likely Outcome

If the Danes can beat the Netherlands in their opening Group E game they could seriously unsettle the Dutch, throwing the group wide open. On the other hand, a win for the Netherlands could turn the group into a battle between Cameroon and Denmark for second place. The Japanese are unlikely to provide any major upsets.

If the Dutch can maintain their discipline and team spirit then they should be able to claim the top spot in Group E.

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