World Cup Preview Group E
Netherlands
After the first round of Euro 2008 most people wanted to award Holland the title and forget about the knockout stage. Much like in years past either by heart break or infighting something always goes wrong to the Netherlands which is why I don’t see them making a deep run even with all their talent. Arjen Robben missing the first game is a huge blow to the Netherlands, sure they have the depth to deal with Robben being gone but on his day he is one of the games best players. Even without a fit Arjen Robben the Netherlands won’t have trouble scoring goals with the likes of Ibrahim Afellay, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart, Ryan Babel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt, and Robin Van Persie all able to either create or score goals. The reason I can never be sold on the Dutch is in their back line. They are paper soft at the heart of their defensive. The likes of Chelsea flop Khalid Boulahrouz, Johnny Heitinga, and Andre Ooijer don’t inspire me. Come the final eight every game will be tense and just don’t see this Dutch back four being able to keep World Class attackers at bay. Every World Cup there is at least 1-2 big name teams who drop out in the Group stage. It wouldn’t shock me to see the Netherland be that team in this World Cup but since I’m sour on two of these teams I’m still picking Holland to advance
Key Player – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - Last 18 months have been awful for Huntelaar but he is still Holland best pure striker and they will need him if they are to make a deep run
Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group E
Japan
I loved reading about the stat how Japan has never won a World Cup game outside of Japan. The reason I love it is because that is going to change! Every World Cup there is a country who stays under the radar, makes it through to the knockout round then bows out quietly. Ecuador and Switzerland in 2006 quickly comes to mind. Even if on paper I should stay far away from Japan I do believe they will surprise most people by grabbing the second spot in this group. Generally you would prefer to have your top players over in Europe but it isn’t all bad that most of Japan’s players currently play at home. They know what many of their team mates like to do with the ball either by playing with or against them over the years. A key to look out for when it comes to Japan is set pieces are this side features two great free kick takers. You have CKSA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda and former Celtic favorite Shunsuke Nakamura who can each score on a free kick from just about anywhere.
Key Player - Keisuke Honda
Sinnacle Prediction – 2nd in Group E
Denmark
After an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign which saw Denmark advance to the World Cup by winning a group which features the likes of Portugal and Sweden I should be picking Denmark to advance. It also wouldn’t shock me if Denmark get a result against the Netherland but something tells me after not making it to the last World Cup Denmark will have this mission accomplish feel just making it to South Africa and bow out after three games. Denmark may not have the depth but they have key players in key areas. You have the likes of Daniel Agger, and Simon Kjaer who can more than hold their own against any attacking combo. Up front you have Nicklas Bendtner and Jon Dahl Tomasson who are going to give defenders fits in the air. This lack of depth will most likely come back to haunt Denmark as Kjaer and Bendtner are fighting minor injuries in the lead up to the World Cup plus with recent results like the 1-0 loss to South Africa I’m going to side with Denmark being one of the European clubs who will fall early in this World Cup.
Key Player – Nicklas Bendtner
Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group E
Cameroon
The second Samuel Eto’o threaten to great over criticism given to him by Cameroon great Roger Mila I wrote this club off. When your best player is not in the right shape of mind that pretty much poisons the rest of this squad. Add to that Eto’o getting sent off in a friendly against Portugal and I don’t see Eto’o getting his head right before the World Cup nor do I see Cameroon advancing even with the World Cup being played on their home continent. Shame too as this time last year Samuel Eto’o was considered one of the games best strikers (still is) but without him even a talented team with the likes of Tottenham duo Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong, Jean II Makoun, and Stephane Mbia.
Key Player – Samuel Eto’o
Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group E