2010 World Cup Predictions - Group E

The Netherlands have had an impressive string of 4 friendly wins against Hungary (6-1), Ghana (4-1), Mexico (2-1) and the USA (2-1). That was preceded by a rather unimpressive run of three 0-0 draws. Last September they defeated fellow Finals group member Japan 3-0. They topped their easy qualifying group with maximum points in which their biggest challenger were Scotland, but the Oranje have, in recent history, managed to get out of their group. The exception is their failure to qualify for the 2002 tournament, having been relegated to 3rd place behind Portugal and Ireland. And all American fans know what happened to Portugal in that World Cup. Currently ranked 4th in the world I don't think they'll have much trouble advancing.

Denmark made it through qualifying with 21 points on top of what was probably the most difficult European qualifying group. They finished 2 points ahead of Portugal and 3 in front of Sweden. Hungary were a not too shabby 5 points down. Denmark have not fared quite as well as The Netherlands in their recent friendlies, and against lesser teams to boot. But the open group play against one another and I imagine it will be a good match that finishes in a draw.

Japan had a rather unimpressive qualifying round, managing only a draw at home against Uzbekistan who finished bottom of the group with only 4 points. They defeated Qatar 3-0 away only to draw them 1-1 at home. I don't see them coming out of this group. They've also dropped their last 5 friendly matches, 3 of them at home against Korea (1-3) and (0-2) and Serbia (0-3).

Cameroon have a slight chance for an upset in this group and the smart money says that at least one African team will surprise in this first World Cup ever held on African soil, but I'd say it won't be Cameroon. They've also had a recent spate of friendlies that have left them wanting for results. And in January's African Cup of Nations they just squeaked out of a group behind Zambia (currently ranked 71 in the world). A three way tie for points between those two countries and Gabon saw Cameroon come out on top by a difference of a single goal.

I'm going to suggest that Denmark and Netherlands draw and then each go on to defeat Japan and Cameroon. First place will be decided on goal difference.

Denmark      7
Netherlands  7
Cameroon    3
Japan           1