World Cup: Netherlands heads Group E

GROUP E

NETHERLANDS

Coach Bert van Marwijk’s Dutch side is ranked fourth in the world and in Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder he has two players who could start for any team in the tournament. Still, the Netherlands has a tendency to self-destruct. The decisive game could be against Brazil in the quarterfinals.

DENMARK

The Danes’ game against Cameroon probably will determine who advances out of this group along with the Netherlands. Jon Dahl Tomasson, with 51 international goals, is the catalyst for Coach Morten Olsen’s talented but inconsistent team. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson’s recovery from a dislocated elbow is crucial.

CAMEROON

Samuel Eto’o and 10 others is a cruel way to describe Africa’s most globally popular team but not inaccurate, veteran Rigobert Song notwithstanding. Coach Paul Le Guen’s Indomitable Lions should benefit from the Cup’s being played on African soil and the second round is achievable.

JAPAN

The Japanese have yet to make an impact on the world stage and this tournament will follow the pattern. Coach Takedi Okada predicts a semifinal spot, but even with midfielder Keisuke Honda and playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura on hand, the Blue Samurai are looking at three games and out.