Group E Preview

Overview:

Group E sees the Netherlands, Denmark, Cameroon and Japan do battle for the coveted top two spots and berths into the Round of 16. The Dutch are led by a quartet of attackers in the form of Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Rafael van der Vaart. Sneijder and Robben have both been in impeccable form during their respective domestic campaigns leading Inter Milan and Bayern Munich to the Champions League final. The Dutch have also been extremely impressive in their pre-World Cup friendlies but like anything with the Oranje you would not exactly bet on them to perform when the pressure is on. Denmark has been a very interesting team during this World Cup qualifying season as they have been blending their youth into Morten Olsen's squad while fading out the old and experienced. Denmark progressed to the World Cup by finishing first in a group that included Sweden and Portugal. The Danes will heavily rely on the attacking pedigree of Nicolas Bendtner, who if continues his form with Arsenal will need at least 5 chances before he hits the back of the net. Cameroon is probably the African team with the greatest tradition and pedigree at the World Cup. Who can forget Roger Milla's goal in 1994 when Cameroon shocked Argentina 1-0? Regardless this edition of the Lions is led by ego-driven striker Samuel E'too. E'too is a fantastic striker only if he wants to be but his recent fued with the head coach might spell trouble for this African footballing nation. Japan have never won a World Cup match outside of their homeland. That being said they must have the most arrogant coach of all time, Takeshi Okado, who realistically believes that Japan can make the semi-finals. Well, Mr. Okado needs to remind his players which goal to shoot at because in their past two friendlies before the World Cup they have allowed three own goals.

Players To Watch:

Netherlands - Wesley Sneijder - Sneijder recently led Inter Milan to Champions League glory and he will be asked to lead the Clockwork Orange towards their first World Cup triumph. Wesley will play in the center of the park for the Dutch and will be asked to pull the strings for the squad while setting up goals for front men Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt and Arjen Robben.

Denmark - Christian Poulsen - Yes attackers make all the money and get the supermodels, but it is the holding midfielders like Denmark's Christian Poulsen that win championships. Poulsen, while at Sevilla, was responsible for the defensive responsibilities while Dani Alves made his darting runs from his right-back position. This led to his multi-million Euro move to The Old Lady, Juventus.

Cameroon - Samuel E'too - E'too is not only Cameroon's best and most talented player but he is also their most volatile player. Cameroon will only advance if E'too is on his best form and best behavior. But let's be honest, E'too is on winning teams, case in point his back to back Champions League winners medals.

Japan - Shunsuke Nakamura - Lately, Japan have been scoring more goals on their own net than the oppositions. The onus to score falls on the shoulders of Nakamura who is expected to deliver killer set pieces to Japan's target men. Nakamura has the pedigree from his time with Celtic in the SPL.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Netherlands

Cameroon

Denmark

Japan