FIFA WC Soccer 2010 , GROUP E: all previews, reviews and match thread

[al-Sagar]

this group is now very straight forward.

Holland are through to knock out Round.... .... ....

Cameroon are out of WC.

Denmark vs Japan: this game will decide the 2nd team. a team for any team takes them through. a draw and japan will go through due to beter GD

[al-Sagar]

Indomitable Lions left to play for pride

With the Dutch already qualified and Cameroon already out, the match holds little importance, save for a chance to restore some pride to the Indomitable Lions.

Paul Le Guen's team have not won in their last seven games and confidence is at an all-time low after in-fighting in the camp that saw the coach come in for blooding young players too quickly. But with very little positive news to take from their experiences in South Africa, the side have a chance to upset the likely group winners, who will already be targeting a potential game in the second round against Italy.

Bert van Marwijk's team performed well in their warm-up matches and have extended that run into the tournament, with many tipping the Dutch to go all the way. With an emphasis on attacking football, they have won over many neutrals and should not be troubled too much by the first side to drop out of the World Cup.

Cameroon player to watch: Souleymanou Hamidou. Keeping Carlos Kameni out of the side, the veteran goalkeeper has had to watch as his side dropped out of the tournament. Not expected to keep the No.1 spot, he has now made it his own and will be tested to the fullest against a sharp Dutch attack.

Netherlands player to watch: Arjen Robben. He may not be granted a start if the coach decides to stick with the same XI as the win over Japan, but the fit-again winger will certainly be given some playing time. Having recovered from a hamstring injury that he picked up attempting to do a backheel in a warm-up match, Robben will be a key player for the Dutch if they are to progress further in the tournament.

Key Battle: Pierre Webo v Johnny Heitinga. Leading the line with Samuel Eto'o, Webo plays an important role in using his strength and power to create space for his team-mates. Boasting good pace and clever off-the-ball runs, he has not fired in front of goal, but is an important part of Cameroon's attack. Meanwhile Netherlands have only conceded two goals in their past six World Cup matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process, and Everton's Heitinga has played a vital role in this. Strong and committed, he is the star of an underappreciated Dutch back four.

Trivia: This is Cameroon's 20th World Cup match, the most by any African side, but they were the first side to be knocked out of the 2010 World Cup.

Stats: Twenty-six of the 32 goals Cameroon have conceded at World Cups have come against European opponents - and they haven't won any of their past nine meetings with European sides at finals.

Odds: Cameroon (4.50), Netherlands (1.83) and a draw (3.60) are all available at Bet 365, but a 3-0 win for the Dutch will get you 15.00.

Prediction: With nothing but pride to play for, Cameroon will surely be turned over by an efficient, if not quite Total, Dutch side.