World Cup 2010: Group E Analysis - Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon & Denmark

Group Strength The only heavyweights in this group are the Netherlands and among the four teams only they can realistically aspire to get beyond the last 16 stage of the competition. The rest of the teams look good but they wouldn't be able to challenge for a quarter-final berth. Yet the games would be interesting to watch as the four teams play different style of football and follow different philosophies and there could be a surprise result or two. Group Favourites The Netherlands are the favourites to win this group. They were in great form in the qualifiers and won all their eight matches. Bert van Marwijk's side have exceptional attacking players such as Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben and although they are vulnerable at the back, the Oranje should comfortably win the three games in the group. Battle for Second The battle for the runners-up spot would be interesting as Japan, Cameroon and Denmark all would count themselves second favourites in the group. Cameroon would especially believe in themselves given that they are an African side and would be buoyed by a 'home' support. Moreover, they have players such as Samuel Eto'o, Carlos Kameni and Stephane M'bia. The Outsiders Japan could find themselves struggling in the group and with Denmark would be trying to avoid the bottom place. The former World Cup quarter-finalists are one of the strongest teams of Asia but struggle against physical and technically superior sides. Cameroon can be physically intimidating and the Dutch are far superior to them in every aspect. The Long Road Forward Group favourites Holland could potentially meet potential Group F runners-up Paraguay while Cameroon should meet Italy in the last 16 stage if they qualify.