2010 World Cup: Complete Group E Predictions

My favorites (not to win, just because I like them) for the tournament, the Netherlands, are taking to the World Cup in Group E this year. Also, I'm running out of creative things to say in my intros. Let's just get to the predictions.

Matches:

Netherlands  2 - 0 Denmark (June 14, Soccer City - Match 9)
Japan 1 - 1 Cameroon (June 14, Bloemfontein - Match 10)

Netherlands  4 - 1 Japan (June 19, Durban - Match 24)
Cameroon  1 - 0 Denmark (June 19, Pretoria - Match 26)

Denmark  2 - 1 Japan (June 24, Rustenburg - Match 43)
Cameroon 0 - 2 Netherlands  (June 24, Cape Town - Match 44)

Standings:

1. Netherlands 3W-0D-0L 9PTS 8GF 1GA
2. Cameroon 1W-1D-1L 4PTS 2GF 3GA
3. Denmark 1W-0D-2L 3PTS 2GF 4GA
4. Japan 0W-1D-2L 1PT 3GF 7GA

Analysis:

The Netherlands should dominate in this group, as it's a rather easy draw for a team of their capabilities. Expect two toughly-contested matches against Denmark and Cameroon, with a rather easy win over Japan.

I think Cameroon will be the first African nation to advance out of the group stage.

After a frustrating tie against Japan, they will bounce back with a narrow victory over the Danes. In their final match, Cameroon will lose to the Orange shirts. But with four points, they will already have a spot guaranteed in the knockout stage.

I believe Denmark can advance, but I see them coming up just short in Group E. Unfortunately, they face the group favorites in their opening game.

The Danes will lose to the Netherlands, setting them back off the draw. Following a tough loss to Cameroon in game two, Denmark will have no chance of moving on, but will make their fans proud with a win over Japan, finding their groove one game too late.

Japan will be outmatched in this group. They will come flying out of the gates, taking an early lead against Cameroon and playing enough defense to preserve a tie.

But that will be their only point.

The Netherlands will have their way with Japan before Denmark, proving their South Africa was worthwhile, wins easily, albeit in a close final.