Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Japan seems a bit better. Go Cameroon!

 

Japan leading 1-0 its 48th minute. (second half just started)

GO CAMEROON!!! GO ETO'O!!!

 

81' Japan content to defend the lead.

 

Wow what a cracker to the post

 

Cameroon weren't going to win before the match even began. Their midfield is terrible and Eto'o isn't exactly in good standing with not only his teammates but the nation itself. Japan are the better all around side and shown that on the pitch, especially during the last 15 minutes or so when Cameroon simply gave up and just kept launching long passes with a prayer towards the opposing goal. That was an absolutely pathetic display of football. Keisuke Honda and my ol' favorite Tulio have given my fantasy team big points today.

 

Wow, Cameroon were a huge disappointment. There were 2 real opportunities that really stuck out for Cameroon though was that shot off the woodworks, the ball goes right by a Cameroon forward that should of put it in if he was ready for it and then when Eto'o went through 3 defenders on the side and found that guy that put it over. Japan with a huge win and now they get Netherlands....heh.

 

I didn't see Cameroon being this bad. Did Eto'o even play? It seemed like he was out on the right wing all day, and didn't really seem interested in going forward down the middle, like he should have been.

 

You didn't catch the match?

The midfield for Cameroon is awful with no real playmaking talent. Japan was better overall and deserved their win. As I mentioned, Cameroon's long passing display over the last 15 minutes was pathetic. Eto'o was out there, but he was consistently closed down by Japan's defenders.

 

Disappointed by Netherlands performance but a win is a win. They look like they're missing something with Robben on the bench.

 

By the way, how the hell do they keep Alex Song on the bench? He was one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League last season.

 

I'd rather the Dutch keep Robben on the bench until he's fit enough to start. They shouldn't have any issues going through to the next round and I'm sure Robben will be playing before then anyway. Elia may outshine Robben though as his blistering pace and skill on the ball is incredible.

 

Elia should start next match IMO.

 

I agree, and play van der Vaart from the bench.

 

Elia is fantastic. His price will be up by 10m by the end of this tournament.

 

Exactly, they really have a strong team if they know how to use it and depending how much they want to play with each other. If they get on a roll by the third game I wouldn't count them out of winning it all. (I want Nederland - Deutschland final)

 

I have a Nederland v Deutschland final in my predictions. Here's hoping!

BTW, you do realize we're probably the only two people that like both Germany and the Netherlands? lol

 

Yeah, quite a strange combination! I am tipping for a Netherlands-Spain finale.

 

haha we probably are

two great countries with great footballers.

 

I agree with the above comment to hold off on Robben for as long as possible. If the Netherlands get up early in their third match, I could see them giving him a run, with a strict no backheel order, towards the end if it won't be competitive. The Dutch don't need Robben now and shouldn't risk him.

What makes that easier is watching Elia go from a luxury item to someone who is forcing himself into the lineup. He's a terrific player and I wish I could catch more football from Germany to watch him. Of course, he'll probably be leaving HSV on a big money deal after the Cup.

 

My thoughts exactly. His stock has sky-rocketed after a couple of matches.