World Cup Predictions: Group E

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Players to Watch:
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Christian Poulsen (Denmark)
Yasuhito Endo (Japan)
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)


Match to Watch:
Netherlands vs. Cameroon
June 12, 2:30 P.M. (ABC)


Predictions:

Netherlands vs. Denmark
June 14, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
The name of the game in this group will be explosive offenses. With the exception of Japan. And the exception of this opening game. As for this first match, it is Hamlet versus the Boy with his finger in the Dyke. On one hand, you have the predictability of a Dutch offense in the group stage. They chop, they slice, they dice, but wait there's more! While the Danish are a respectable European side with a little more of a question mark. In the end, Van Persie, Robben, Kuyt, Van Bommel and Sneijder will be too much for the Danes.
Result: NED 2 - 1 DEN

Japan vs. Cameroon
June 14, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
While Japan has grandiose ambitions and some measured recent success, they will not fair well in South Africa. With the likes of the Dutch, the Danes and the Cameroonians (?), this group is in need of a whipping boy, and the Blue Samurai fit the bill.
Result: JPN 1 - 2 CMR

Netherlands vs. Japan
June 19, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Asian teams are known for their speed, discipline and dynamic close control. Too bad Japan is playing the Netherlands. While anything can happen in a World Cup, it won't happen for Japan in this game.
Result: NED 3 - 0 JPN

Cameroon vs. Denmark
June 19, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
Ok, so I like 2-1 as a score for this group. It's pretty simple, though: International games are rarely blow-outs and the teams in this group isn't known for defense. As for deciding who gets the two goals and who goes home with only one, I'm going (once again) with the de facto home soil advantage the African teams have in this world cup.
Result: CMR 2 - 1 DEN

Cameroon vs. Netherlands
June 24, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
Each group always has the game that decides who will be first and who will be second. Some times it involves an unfathomable result wherein the clear favorite drops two or all three points against underdog opposition. However, for this group, it is the much more direct - if not less compelling - match up of the Netherlands, who enter the tournament with incredible confidence in their offensive capabilities, and Cameroon, who are looking to impress on their home soil. The deciding factor? Cameroon's inconsistent defense.
Result: CMR 0 - 1 NED

Denmark vs. Japan
June 24, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
In this scenario I have dreamed for myself, Denmark and Japan are playing for nothing but pride. But when it comes to the World Cup, pride is everything. I may be a bit unable to think outside the box, but I still don't see any situation in which Japan leaves this group with anything but four years worth of World Cup homework to think about.
Result: DEN 2 - 0 JPN


Final standings: