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

Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon and Denmark.

The World Cup 2010 draw has concluded, with all eight groups having been decided.

Here we see Group E:

GROUP E

Netherlands (UEFA)
Japan (AFC)
Cameroon (CAF)
Denmark (UEFA)

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 Favorites

The Netherlands are the favorites 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 favorites 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 favorites Holland could potentially meet potential Group F runners-up Paraguay while Cameroon should meet Italy in the last 16 stage if they qualify.

What The Numbers Say
Powered by Castrol Predictior - crunching the numbers to find the strength of each team and the path they take to the final.

Team Qualify for Second Round Qualify for Quarter Final Qualify For Semi Final Qualify for Final Win
Netherlands 79.8% 56.5% 29.3% 18.1% 10.1%
Denmark 49.5% 26.5% 9.5% 4.2% 1.5%
Japan 38.5% 18.8% 6.0% 2.4% 0.7%
Cameroon 32.3% 14.5% 4.2% 1.5% 0.4%

Subhankar Mondal, Goal.com

Source: goal.com/