By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Day 13 saw another four teams make it to the last 16 -– USA, England, Germany and Ghana.
USA finished on top of Group C after a dramatic last-gasp 1-0 win against Algeria while England edged past Slovenia 1-0 to finish in second spot.
Germany topped Group D after winning the top-of-the-table clash with Ghana 1-0. Despite the loss, Ghana edged out third-placed Australia with a superior goal difference.
Let’s move on to Day 14 where the final Group E matches will be played. Already qualified Holland take on already eliminated Cameroon in a dead rubber match while Asian powerhouse Japan will fight it out with Denmark to snatch the crucial second spot behind Holland.
Will the return of Arjen Robben inspire the Oranje to a third successive victory? Or will Samuel Eto’o lead his team to exit the tournament on a high?
Will the Blue Samurai emulate neighbour South Korea’s feat of progressing into the last 16? Or will the firepower of Niklas Bendtner inspire Denmark to victory?
Our pundits bring you their take on the matches and their verdict on who will qualify from Group F.
Mohd Naufal Nur Hakim of Meridian JC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports archive)
Denmark vs Japan
Naufal Says: 2-2 Draw
The winner of this game will secure a passage to the next round, so expect it to be a thrilling match. Expect both teams to play open and attacking football.
Cameroon vs Holland
Naufal Says: 1-0 to Holland
I think Holland will put up another unimpressive but effective performance to see off Cameroon.
Verdict: Japan to join Holland in the last 16
Alvan Tay of RI. (Photo © Alvan Tay)
Denmark vs Japan
Alvan Says: 2-2 Draw
Japan only need a draw to qualify but they will, once again, take the game to their opponents and look likely to bag at least a goal with Daisuke Matsui and Keisuke Honda looking very dangerous on the attack. Though they are tight at the back, Denmark look well-equipped to breach the tight Japanese defence with Dennis Rommedahl’s pace being especially threatening on the counter.
Cameroon vs Holland
Alvan Says: 2-0 to Holland
The gulf in class between these two sides is simply too tough for Cameroon to overcome, especially with their morale and confidence levels hitting rock-bottom following their early elimination from the World Cup. The Dutch will step up their performance by a few gears and comfortably finish at the top of the group with aplomb.
Verdict: Japan to join Holland in the last 16
More News on Denmark vs Japan
Previous Encounter in 2006: Holland 1-0 Cameroon
Niklas Bendtner doubt for Japan clash
| GROUP E | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HOLLAND  | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 9 |
JAPAN  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
DENMARK  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 3 |
CAMEROON  | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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