FULL TIME - Match #43 (GROUP E) -
DENMARK - 1
(Tomasson 81')
JAPAN - 3
(Honda 17')
(Endo 30')
(Okazaki 87')
FULL TIME - Match #44 (GROUP E) -
CAMEROON - 1
(Eto'O *PK* 65')
THE NETHERLANDS - 2
(Van Persie 36')
(Huntelaar 83')
Yes who would have believed?! I am pretty sure everyone's fancied team was Denmark in their match, but instead the Asian team packed enough punches to shut out the Danish. On the day that mattered, they were simply the better team. Denmark were outmanouvered, outclassed and completely dominated. The two free kicks which resulted in the first two goals were evidence of Japan's wonderful talent in swinging this ball past unexpecting goalkeepers - something other teams need to watch out from now on.
The Netherlands also completed their expected win over Cameroon to finish top of this Group. Arjen Robben returned into their ranks and they fielded a full-strength squad. It was a tight match till the 83rd minute when Robben's perfectly timed run and shot rebounded back to substitute Huntelaar who scored the 2nd goal, which proved to be the decider.
The Netherlands will take on Slovakia, while Japan will be one-on-one against Paraguay.