Netherlands and Cameroon Will Progress from Group E

The Netherlands will win Group E and Al feels the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will join the Oranje in the knockout rounds of the 2010 World Cup.

A class apart
Japan possesses a player with great promise, Denmark has experienced veterans and Cameroon has a strong midfield and attack. The Netherlands have all of these assets and more in a squad overflowing with talent. It’s not just the raw ability and success of the Oranje’s stars that should intimidate opponents. No, the real concern for the rest of Group E is that with all of these talented stars the Oranje’s players can put their egos aside and focus instead on doing whatever is necessary to win. There are no divas on this team. The Netherlands posted a perfect record in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and I fully expect a similar outcome in the group stage.

Schedule suits Cameroon
When teams play each other is only second in importance to seeing how teams match up when looking at World Cup betting options. Cameroon has the most favorable schedule in Group E by opening against rank outsiders Japan and not facing the Netherlands until their last game. Denmark by contrast must face the Netherlands first and follow that with a game against the Indomitable Lions. While upsets in both these games would make a final game clash with Japan advantageous to Denmark, it is a far from ideal position.

The final shake-up
The Netherlands will win this group, it’s that simple. The only question is who goes along for the ride into the knockout rounds. Denmark’s World Cup pedigree, at least prior to the knockout stages, makes this a far from straightforward call.

While Cameroon possesses a better team, this is no guarantee they will progress. The second game of the group stage between Cameroon and Denmark will prove decisive. Cameroon will know a draw won’t guarantee anything and I fully expect the Indomitable Lions to go all out to win. While the presence of Daniel Agger in defense should keep Denmark in with a shout, the ability of a team with the talent of Cameroon should wear down Denmark and prove the difference in this one.

Should Cameroon fail to win this game then goal difference will almost certainly be crucial. This is the only scenario where Cameroon’s favourable schedule might backfire. Denmark will know what they need to score against Japan to be in with a shout of catching Cameroon for second place. I don’t expect the group to play out so favorably to Denmark, Cameroon will do enough to take second place.

For the best World Cup odds check out Sports Interaction’s online sports book.