Group E preview

Heading into this 2010 FIFA World Cup, many a person believed upon first glance that Group E would be one of the more easier groups to predict in terms of who will advance and who would not. However, if one takes a more detailed look at the four teams participating in this group they will find that such initial notions are not surefire bets. Obviously the Netherlands are the class team of the group, but other than that there are three teams all capable of squeaking into that second qualifying spot...

Netherlands
When I think of the Netherlands football-wise, I only think of one thing and one thing only; Fun. Fun, good-natured fans known for being some of the best in all of world football, and a fun, forward-thinking football team to match. Yet as we have seen time after time over the years, said 'fun' does not translate into titles, whether it in the European Champions or in the World Cup. Most notably in the last European Championships where they dismantled France and Italy respectively, only to falter rather lifelessly in the quarter final stage to Russia. This time around, the Dutch obviously hope for a different result. With players such as Ibrahim Afellay, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Eljiero Elia, and Robin Van Persie, the end result might be a different one.

The one issue for the Dutch is the health of arguably their best player in Arjen Robben, who suffered a hamstring injury in their last warm-up game against Hungary. He will not play in the Oranje’s first game against Denmark and even if he does come back against Japan, it is not certain that he will be at 100%.

Cameroon
For the most part, this is the strongest Cameroon side that has shown up to a World Cup in recent memory. Yet Les Lions Indomptables still boast a fairly decent squad capable of making some noise in this tournament. Obviously the big name here is Samuel Eto’o, and the likes of Rigobert Song and Geremi will provide valuable experience, yet a decent core of younger players including Song, Enoh, Bassong, even Assou-Ekotto sure up a team lead by Frenchmen Paul Le Guen. Whether this squad can squeak out of this group remains to be seen, but they most certainly have a shot.

Denmark
The Danish, even by their own admission, do not really have a team flowing with star players, but what the lack in firepower they make up for in experience and good chemistry. All of this starts with the coach Morten Olsen. In this day and age a football manager does not last at a post very often so to see Olsen last ten years as Danish national team manager is a commendable achievement, especially when you consider that Denmark missed the 2006 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2008. A slightly surprising qualifying group winner, finishing ahead of Portugal (who sneaked into the World Cup via the playoffs) and Sweden (who did not qualify).

The Danish are a tight, compact, disciplined squad that does not give up anything easily so expect the likes of the Japan and Cameroon to have a bit of a difficult time breaking them down. Their main problem might prove to be a lack of attacking punch.

Japan
Rounding out Group E is Japan. Japan’s manager, Takeshi Okada, bravely proclaimed a final four finish for the Blue Samurai. I can assure you (in a rare moment of non-objectivity) that this will most likely not happen. They did not set the world alight during qualifying and to add to their misery have never won a World Cup match off Asian soil. So honestly, do not expect too much from Japan at all. Only four of their squad ply their trade outside of their homeland. Of those, midfielder Keisuke Honda, who performed admirably against England recently, might be the one worth keeping an eye on.

Prediction
Despite the temporary loss of Arjen Robben, I still have the Netherlands advancing out of this group as winners. As for who will join them, I've a feeling Denmark will edge Cameroon. They should prove disciplined and organised enough to earn themselves a place in the last sixteen, though are unlikely to go much further than that.

Kofi Appiah Biney