It’s time for the fifth installment of our 2010 World Cup previews here on FA Daily, as it’s Group E’s turn today, which features a few teams that could be under the radar as we head into the cup next week, and one team that could be one of the heavy favorites to win it all. The four teams in this group all offer something a little different, which could make for some intriguing group battles. Let’s discuss Group E!
GROUP SCHEDULE
June 14, 2010
Netherlands vs. Denmark – 7:30 AM ET, ESPN
Japan vs. Cameroon – 10 AM ET, ESPN
June 19, 2010
Netherlands vs. Japan – 7:30 AM ET, ESPN
Cameroon vs. Denmark – 2:30 PM ET, ABC
June 24, 2010
Denmark vs. Japan – 2:30 PM ET, ESPN
Cameroon vs. Netherlands – 2:30 PM ET, ESPN2
*Times indicate actual game start times. 30 minute preview show before most games, so the actual coverage will begin a half hour earlier.
THE TEAMS
Netherlands
Let’s just be completely honest. This group starts and ends with the Netherlands, who could be overlooked as a team that could be hoisting the World Cup trophy in July. They have enormous amounts of talent on this squad, and will be lead by some outstanding forwards in Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben. Oh, and then there’s even more studs in the midfield (such as Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, and Mark van Bommel). From top to bottom, this is one of the most complete lineups in the tournament, and it’s hard to imagine anything less than a birth in the quarterfinals for this team. Goalkeeping could cause be a problem at times, but I don’t think it’s a major concern for them in the early stages of this event (though you better believe it will have to be at a high level to contend for the trophy). Cameroon will be the team that may give them the biggest challenge in this group, but for the Flying Dutchmen, it won’t matter if they settle for a draw. They’ll be advancing, and should be able to build some nice momentum in this group as they head towards the knockout stage.
Denmark
Denmark really doesn’t offer a whole lot of flashy play, but they are a consistent team that could take some points away just because of their disciplined approach. Christian Poulsen will be a key piece of the puzzle for this team, as the midfielder will need to be the field general out there for this squad. This is a team that has more skills defensively than offensively, so look for them to be participating in low-scoring games that could go either way. Denmark is perhaps the most interesting team in this group, simply because they may be the ones that force a lot of the draws that we see, which will take away points from other teams who need three instead of one. The opener vs. the Netherlands will undoubtedly be the biggest game of the group for them, as if they are able to get any kind of points out of it, they have the ability to knock off Cameroon or Japan on any given day. But if they can’t come away with at least a point on June 14, then it will probably be an uphill battle for them to try and advance past the group stage of the tournament.
Japan
The Japanese showed that they’re capable of hanging with the big boys in their 2-1 defeat to England a few days ago. Though it was obvious that England wasn’t at their best from the get-go, Japan still looked like a team that could cause teams trouble when they are playing their best football. If Takeshi Okada‘s squad is to advance, they will desperately need to beat either Cameroon or Denmark. And quite honestly, it’s hard to see that happening. Even at their best, I’m not sure that Japan matches up well with any of the teams in this group, especially against the extremely talented Netherlands squad. That one could get out of hand in a hurry. But overall, I think Japan could steal away a win from Denmark, but besides that, I don’t see them making any noise in this group.
Cameroon
All of the big talk lately surrounding Cameroon is the unhappiness of their best player, Samuel Eto’o. He wasn’t very happy when Cameroon legend Roger Milla made some comments concerning his effectiveness for the country’s squad as compared to his effectiveness for his club teams. So now Eto’o has threatened to quit, but he was named to the 23-man roster, therefore, I would expect him to be ready to go for this team in their opener against Japan. But will his happiness affect his play? That’s what we’ll have to wait and find out, because this team goes as he goes. Let’s not kid ourselves. If this team is going to make an appearance in the quarterfinals or beyond, they have to have Eto’o at his best. They’re still a good squad without him, but nowhere near what they are when they have him. I hope he can put all this behind him, and have a great showing at the cup. If he’s able to do that, then I would expect to see this team in the knockout stage. But it all depends on which Cameroon team shows up, as that’ll be the biggest factor for them if they are to be a threat in the knockout stage.
PREDICTIONS
*Winner in bold
Netherlands vs. Denmark
Japan vs. Cameroon
Netherlands vs. Japan
Cameroon vs. Denmark -DRAW
Denmark vs. Japan – DRAW
Cameroon vs. Netherlands
1. Netherlands (9 points)
2. Cameroon (4 points)
3. Denmark (2 points)
4. Japan (1 point)
Well that’s all for the Group E Preview here on FA Daily!
What are your predictions for the group? Be sure to vote on our poll to the right, and let us know who you think will win Group E!
Previous Group Previews – Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D