2010 World Cup Predictions: Group E

Netherlands.
Denmark.
Japan.
Cameroon.

That's Group E. Netherlands heads the group as the fourth ranked team on the FIFA rankings. Cameroon follows as number 19, Denmark as 36, and Japan rounds out the group at 45.

The Netherlands enjoyed an easy ride through the qualifying stage in Group 9 in the UEFA qualifiers. Eight games, eight wins, 17 goals scored, 2 received. Just until recently, Netherlands held the 3rd spot in the rankings, until Portugal claimed the spot for themselves. Netherlands has had a history of making deep runs into the knock-out round, just to fall short before the final game. This year, Netherlands boast what could be one of the best teams they've had, with players such as Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, and Robin van Persie. Injuries have plagued the team a bit. Arjen Robben, one of the team's key players in the attack, but it's already been confirmed he will miss the opening game against Denmark due to a hamstring injury. Some experts have pinned the Netherlands' success to the form and fitness of Robben.

Denmark qualified for the World Cup after having missed the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Denmark won Group 1 just ahead of runners-up Portugal and local rivals Sweden. The Danish have an interesting mix of players, some are playing their last World Cup, having already cemented themselves in the history of Danish football and in the minds of the country. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and forward Jon Dahl Tomasson are two examples. Accompanying them are players that could bring new times to Danish football, such as forward Nicklas Bendtner and defender Simon Kjaer. This World Cup will present a great opportunity for these two young players to learn something of international duty from the older players, and solidify their game, as they still have a few things to learn. Denmark is one of those teams that could surprise the world with a deep run in the World Cup.

Japan holds the lowest rank in the group, but has the same chance to advance, in my opinion, as Denmark or Cameroon as the second place in the group. Their key player is Celtic's Shansuke Nakamura, the 31-year-old midfielder. Nakamura has a good touch on the ball and great vision. He is also a danger from any free kick opportunity Japan might get. If he's in zone, Japan has a good shot at advancing.

Cameroon is the second-highest ranked African national team at the moment, highest-ranked of the African teams in the World Cup since Egypt failed to qualify. Cameroon can present a danger to any defense with Samuel Eto'o and Pierre Webo up front. Cameroon can also exploit defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto's speed and ability to go on the attack. Cameroon might have what it takes to advance past the group stage ahead of Denmark and Japan, but most likely wouldn't make it past the Round of 16 as their most likely opponent would be Italy.

My predictions for the group:

Netherlands 2, Denmark 1
Japan 1, Cameroon 1

Netherlands 3, Japan 0
Denmark 1, Cameroon 0

Denmark 2, Japan 1
Cameroon 1, Netherlands 2

Netherlands ..... 9 Pts.
Denmark ......... 6 Pts.
Cameroon ........ 1 Pts.
Japan ........... 1 Pts.