Preview: Day 9

Group E

Australia v Ghana, Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg, 3pm

A second defeat for Australia will all but end their interest in this years World Cup, while even a draw in Rustenburg will leave them with a mountain to climb if the Socceroos are to reach a second consecutive semi final.

Ghana will be full of confidence after their opening day victory over a highly regarded Serbia team. Another victory today and a last 16 place will be in their sights.

The above factors indicate this should be an open contest between two teams that will desperately want to win.

The Black Stars aren’t too interested in defending anyway and the ageing Australia back four will be under constant pressure from the more youthful and speedy trio of Prince Tagoe, Asamoah Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah.

The loss of midfield dynamo Michael Essien is yet to be keenly felt but today will be an interesting indicator of how far this young team have come, the fans back in West Africa will be expecting a victory considering Australai poor first result.

Pim Verbeek has been forced to make changes following that 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany. Tim Cahill, the sides main goal threat, is suspended for today’s game and Vince Grella of Blackburn Rovers is injured.

Fortunately however, Harry Kewell looks likely to be fit to start for the first time and his arrival is more than welcome. Against the Germans the Socceroos had little going forward and they will be hoping the Galatasaray forward will be their saviour.

In the other corner, Ghana look set to make just the one change, with Inter Milan’s Sulley Muntari returning to the centre of midfield to join Kevin Prince Boateng.

With an emotional game full of subplots to come next Wednesday with Germany, the Ghanaians will want to go into that game in the strongest possible condition, but Australia cannot possibly be that bad again, especially with their World Cup future being on the line.

Probable teams:

Australia (4-3-2-1): Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Neill, Moore, Chipperfield, Grella, Bresciano, Valeri, Emerton, Kewell, Kennedy.

Ghana (4-4-2): Kingson, Sarpie, Vorsah, Mensah, Pantsil, Muntari, Boateng, Tagoe, Ayew, Asamoah, Gyan.


Group E

Cameroon v Denmark, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 7:30pm

Tonight's game is probably the least high profile of all the late kick-offs so far, but it holds as much intrigue as any other we have seen. Defeat for Cameroon means they are out of the World Cup and a loss for the Danes will all leave them needing a miracle to progress.

Holland have already secured six points and by association top spot but second place is still very much up for grabs and the winner in Pretoria will feel they have a great chance of reaching the last 16.

If their opening performances are anything to go by though, attack will be at a premium. Both the Danes and the Indomitable Lions went forward sporadically in their opening games and they will need to improve immeasurably if they are to find some goals tonight.

Denmark look set to continue with the same team that fought hard but were ultimately comfortably beaten by the Netherlands in Soccer City last Monday. Nicklas Bendtner has been struggling with injury and the altitude but the continued absence of Jon Dahl Tomasson means the Morten Olsen will persist with the Arsenal striker.

Paul Le Guen, Cameroon's French boss, may ring the changes for their do or die clash at Loftus Versfeld. His tactics clearly didn't work against Japan and senior players have claimed that the younger players cant handle the World Cup pressures emanating from their home land.  

Thereofre Samuel Eto'o may return to a more central striking role, whilst Alexander Song could return to the midfield, as could his uncle Rigobert.

Eric Moupo-Toping had emerged as a natural partner to Eto'o in qualifying but he now looks set to be dropped in favour of international veteran Pierre Webo.

Achille Emana, the Real Betis midfielder, has opening criticised the younger players and could be given the responsibility of saving his country's World Cup tonight by being reinstated to the midfield. If ever there was time for Cameroon to show some unity it is now.

For Japan, the ideal result will be a draw, and that could well be the case in a physical game.

Probable Teams:

Cameroon (4-4-2): Hamidou, Geremi, R Song, N'koulou, Essou-Ekotto, Song, Makoun, Mbia, Emana, Webo, Eto'o.

Denmark (4-3-3): Sorensen, Jacobsen, Agger, Kjaer, S Poulsen, C Poulsen, Jorgensen, Kahlenburg, Rommedahl, Enevoldsen, Bendtner.

Review: Day 8

Group D

          Germany   0-1   Serbia

Serbia have blown Group D wide open with their win over the ten men of Germany in Port Elizabeth. A single goal from Liverpool bound forward Milan Jovanovic, scored only a minute after Miroslav Klose’s sending off, was enough to settle an open contest.

The victory for the White Eagles puts them back in strong contention for a place in the second round. With only the Socceroos to come, Raddy Antic’s team will be confident of acquiring the six points that should be enough to secure qualification.

The dismissal of Klose in the 37th minute was the touch of good fortune the Serbs needed following their disappointing opening defeat to Ghana last Sunday. Germany, however, have every right to feel aggrieved about a decision that ultimately changed to outcome of the game.

Alberto Undiano, the Spanish referee, handed out five yellow cards in the opening half an hour, and once Klose tackled Dejan Stankovic from behind everybody knew what was coming. The Inter Milan midfielder was going nowhere but somehow the challenge earned the Polish born German a second yellow and an early shower.

Bastian Schweinsteiger vented his frustration in his post match comments. He said: "If there is a red card at this World Cup in every game, you have to wonder where the sense is.

"It doesn't make it much fun. I am lost for words. I am furious and bitterly disappointed." The Bayern Munich midfielder believed the game was like a non contact sport in the first half.

Serbia took advantage of the red card immediately however. The much improved Milas Krasic crossed the ball to the back post for Nikola Zigic to head down to Jovanovic, who scored from six yards. The former Standard Liege player showed his delight by jumping the advertising hoardings and embracing his brethren in the stands.

Despite their one man deficit, the German’s attacked endlessly thereafter in pursuit of an equaliser.

While the goals may not have flowed this time, this young mannschaft were still entertaining to watch with Mezut Ozil and Sami Khedira just as creative in midfield. If Lukas Podolski had been wearing his shooting boots the Germans would have taken at least a point.

In the second half his team mates carved two openings for the Cologne striker but he shot just wide on both occasions. His best opportunity came from the penalty spot after an hour. Nemanja Vidic handled needlessly in his box, much like Zdravko Kuzmanovic did in his teams opener. Luckily for Vidic and his country Vladimir Stojkovic guessed correctly and saved Podolski’s tame effort.

It was not all Germany though and both Jovanovic, Zigic and Branislav Ivanovic had further chances to extend their lead when the game became an end to end contest late on.

Despite their defeat the Germans will still take heart from another encouraging performance while the Balkan country are now back in serious contention to even top Group D come next Wednesday.

Group C 

           Slovenia   2-2   USA

The smallest nation at this years World Cup took on its strongest in Ellis Park in what proved to be one of the tournaments most exciting games so far. It had all the ingredients of a thrilling game- goals, late drama, and a spirited fight back. All that was missing was quality players, as the Americans in particular huffed and puffed their way to a well earned draw. 

And they would have won if not for the baffling decision of Malian referee Koman Coulibaly to disallow a late Maurice Edu effort, a player who was otherwise rubbish. His failure to allow the goal to stand infuriated Team USA who still don't know what it was ruled out  

Once the US fell two goals behind style went out the window. Their World Cup life was on the line and defeat was not an option. Defeat would all but have eliminated the States from a competition in which much had been expected. 

Slovenia were well worth their early lead. The Americans were flat and uninspiring and the Slovenes had clearly been buoyed by their late victory of Algeria last Sunday. Valter Birsa was pulling the strings for the Europeans and set his team on their way with a beautifully finished shot from 25 yards. By half time their had been a second as the US defenders were caught cold on the break. 

Landon Donovan's solo smash in the 48th minute brought his team back into the game. Luckily, the Slovenian goalkeeper had no interest in trying to save the captain's shot in case he hurt his face, as was the ferocity of it.

The equaliser came late when the long ball option finally paid off. Michael Bradley ran on to Jozy Altidore's headed flick to poke past the 'keeper. Altidore was troubling the Slovenia defence all day but for all his physical presence he lacked composure on the ball. He got his lines right this time though and Bradley was the happy recipient of his assist. 

With ten minutes remaining there was still time for the a winner and both teams went for it. USA should have picked up the three points but maybe a draw was the correct scoreline in the end as the Slovenians provided as much entertainment as the Americans.

The country of little more than 2 million people will now need at least a draw against England on Wednesday in order to reach the last 16 but they have put themselves in a great position. The US were on the verge of elimination but now a win over Algeria could see them top Group C. 

            Algeria   0-0   England      

England internationals always make for compelling viewing. They are a team either loved or loathed but everybody has an opinion on them and there is potential that continues to be untapped. For all the questions, theories and interesting asides to surround the England team this game was perhaps the hardest to watch in a long time.

Fabio Capello had moulded his team into a winning machine during an impressive qualification campaign but ever since the wheels seem to have stopped turning, especially in Cape Town against African minnows Algeria.

From the first minute to the last this was an appalling game with rarely a flash of skill or even a shot on goal between both sides. England were devoid of ideas, shape and strategy. The team's superstars looked unsure of what they were supposed to be doing.

As for the opposition, the Desert Foxes were lacking in ambition but happy to come away with a point in the end. That first point means a win over the US next Wednesday could see them qualify.

On the basis of this match though, either side winning their last game could be a tall ask. All four teams need to win on the last day so that series of games should make for fascinating viewing. Two open attack minded games should be in store.

Between now and then, Capello and his staff will need to figure out whats gone wrong. Urgency is completely gone and Wayne Rooney has not been the same post Allianz Arena. They need their best player now more  than ever. In 1986 Gary Lineker delivered in their vital final group game against Poland, the same may be needed of Rooney.

If the Three Lions perform like that again their World Cup will be over and the hunt for that holy grail will continue for another four years.

What will be ultimate shame for England will be the legacy of their manager. Capello's image in the English world will take a severe hit if his team don't make it past the quarter finals. To fail in escaping the group, he'll have questions to answer, a group that the Sun called EASY.

Review: Day 6

Group H

       Chile   1-0   Honduras

Chile produced one of the performances of the tournament so far in beating Honduras 1-0 in Nelspruit on Wednesday after.

Jean Beausejour, who replaced the injured Humberto Suazo in attack, scored the decisive goal after the half hour mark. While it may have been the only goal la roja could muster, it was the least they deserved for a commanding and intelligent performance.

From the first minute to the last Marcelo Bielsa's team were ascendant. The Hondurans couldn't live with the passing and movement of their linguistic cousins to the south, and were effectively chasing shadows for 90 minutes. How only one goal was recorded remains a mystery, and that may prove to cost Chile by the time Group H ends, considering today's other result in Durban.

The victory was Chile's first in a World Cup finals since defeating Yugoslavia in the third place play off on home soil in 1962. The country's appearances since then have contained an abundance of draws, most notably in 1998 when tying all three group games.  

Playmaker Matias Fernandez, of Sporting Lisbon, showed greater control of the new ball than most by coming close from distance and from free kicks a couple of times. He also has an eye for a pass, like most of his team mates. Matigol controlled the majority of the game from his central position.

Team mate and Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez announced himself to the world. The Udinese player is a star in Chile but little known in the English speaking media. His performance today was probably the finest from a wide man that has been seen so far. 

As for Honduras, they were organised and showed a lot of spirit but it'll be a tall order for them to pick up any points from their remaining games with Spain and Switzerland.

If Chile continue to play with imagination and intent as they did today then anything could be possible from them in the coming weeks.

  

       Spain   0-1   Switzerland

The biggest shock of the World Cup so far took place today in Durban, the surfing capital of South Africa. Tournament favourites and European champions Spain just don't seem to like playing in the country.

La furia roja have just been defeated for the second time in 49 games, but both loses have occurred in South Africa. This defeat may be harder to swallow though than the one against USA last summer. Both games had something in common however- the opposition scored first.

The Iberians appeared to panic once falling behind after 50 minutes. They were in a rush to equalize when they should have been patient and composed. If they stuck to the game they know they can play then the goals will naturally come, but passes were rushed, touches were over hit and players were anxious in front of goal. 

Spain started the brightest, dominating possession against a team more interested in defending. The Swiss rearguard was occasionally breached by David Villa and Gerard Pique but for all their passing and interplay clear cut chances were at a premium.

The second half saw the same pattern emerge until disaster struck. A long ball from goalkepper Benaglio was touched on by Gokhan Inler which dissected Carles Puyol and Pique. The onrushing Eren Derdiyok was taken out by Iker Casillas but St. Etienne midfielder Gelson Fernandes scramble the ball home from two yards. It was a complete comedy of errors and proved that the Spanish defence can be got at. The fears over the quality of their back line have been confirmed in the worst possible manner. 

From that point on it was all Spain. Jesus Navas, Pedro and Fernando Torres were brought on to turn the tide but the strenght of Torres, pace of Navas and Pedro's ability to knick a goal were rarely on show and chances were infrequent. The best chance was a rocket from Xabi Alonso which cannoned off the bar but just like all previous long range shots in this tournament, it failed to find the back of the net.

The Swiss could even have made it two by the game's end. Derdiyok struck the post on the counter attack late on but Ottmar Hitzfeld's team were clearly delighted to escape with the win.

This was their fifth straight World Cup clean sheet since losing 3-0 in the second round in 1994, to Spain.

Chile would have been expecting a routine Spanish victory but now permutations may transpire that could have all three teams on six points. La roja may regret their lack of goals this afternoon.        

Group A

       South Africa   0-3   Uruguay

Bafana Bafana are all but out of the World Cup following their 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in Pretoria. Their hopes of reaching the last 16 are hanging by a thread, especially because of not only the three goal swing in goal differential but the manner in which they performed tonight.

The home side were truly atrocious, from start to finish. Rarely did they get the ball far enough forward to shoot on goal, but when they did their efforts were tame and wayward. 

At least the South African's can bring their challenge to the last day, but any kind of a victory over France seems unlikely. Only the most optimistic of fans will believe that their team will make it beyond the group stage.

The coronation of Bafana Bafana as the worst ever host nation performers is now only days away. Their second half performance against Mexico seems like a lifetime ago as they were totally outplayed in every depart by La Celeste. Oscar Tabarez's team were first to every ball, more physical and posed a far greater threat going forward. They were more comfortable on the ball too, especially Diego Forlan, who controlled the game from start to finish.

The Atletico Madrid scored the first long range goal of the competition thanks to a deflection and then added a penalty in the 80th minute. Forlan has Luis Suarez to thank for the penalty, who, as his is way, made the most of Khune's challenge. The goalkeeper subsequently had to depart the scene.

The ten men of the home side didn't stand a chance thereafter and even their star player, Steven Pienaar, was forced to make way for a replacement 'keeper. The Everton midfielder had had a disappointing evening.

Alvaro Pereira rubbed salt into the already deep wounds with a third in the 95th minute. The fans had come out in their thousands in hope of a magical night, a victory and a place in the second round, but were forced to go home with their vuvuzelas between their legs.

Uruguay will be quietly confident now of winning group A and avoiding arch rivals Argentina in the second round.

Preview: Day 6

Group H

Spain   v   Switzerland,   Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, 3pm

World Cup favourites Spain finally open their World Cup account this afternoon against European also-rans Switzerland in Durban.

While many of the tournaments big name teams, such as England, Brazil, France and Portugal, have thus far disappointed, European champions Spain have the opportunity to end the first series of group games on a high before the second series begins tonight.

Switzerland, on the other hand, come into this game as underdogs and following low key yet solid preparations that included a 1-1 draw with world champions Italy. The Swiss will be looking to stifle the quick passing of their superior opponents and potentially hit them on the break.

Both sides have been effected by injuries. Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas sit out this game but are on the bench. Therir continued fitness worries are not risked in this opening game. Sergio Busquets has been preferred to Fabregas in midfield.

Over all, the Spanish line up is not as attacking as one would have expected, as Sergio is joined by Xabi Alonso in midfield. Even without Torres however, the Iberians should have enough to win the game.

The neutral state have been deprived of Alexander Frei, their captain and top scorer. West Ham's Valon Behrami is also out of action for the Swiss. Both will begin on the bench but arrival on the turf is unlikely.   

Four years ago in Germany, Spain opened with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, as Switzerland drew 0-0 with France. It has since been thought that Spain started too quickly and folded too early in the second round. The clock makers will be hoping for a repeat of their performance against France, but with the form that the Spaniards are in, only one result seems likely.

Line-ups

Spain (4-5-1): Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila, Busquets, Alonso, Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Villa.

Switzerland (4-4-2): Beaglio, Lichsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Zeigler,  Huggel, Barnetta, Inler, Fernandez, Nkufo, Derdiyok.


Group A

South Africa   v   Uruguay,   Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, 7:30pm

The second series of first round games kicks off in Pretoria where the Bafana Bafana will take on the Uruguayans.

With all 32 teams having played at this stage, it is the time to end the nervousness and fear that many teams showed in the opening exchanges. It's time for teams to come out and win games now because places in the second round are on the line. Three draws wont be enough to secure progression so teams are going to have to play for a win, and South Africa and La Celeste are two of those teams.

Group A is one of the tightest to call as any two of the four can qualify. All will feel they have as good a chance as the others. With France to come, this is certainly a must win for the home side. 

As for Uruguay, they are in the same boat. A last day victory over Mexico is not guaranteed so this may be their best chance of a win. 

If the opening games are any judge, then the South Americans will be solid at the back and extremely difficult to penetrate. South Africa created a few openings against Mexico but the physicality of Uruguay will be far tougher to overcome.

Uruguay will also have the best player on the pitch in Diego Forlan, who was clearly a class apart in their first game with France. He may get his goal today against a shaky Bafana Bafana defence. 

South Africa's spirit cant be doubted however and the whole country will be behind them once more in Pretoria, at an altitude that Uruguay are yet to experience. 

Another draw may not be a terrible result for both teams, but ideally both of them will feel a win will give them a serious advantage going into the third series of matches.  

Porbable Line- ups,

South Africa (4-5-1): Khune, Gaxa, Khumano, Makoena, Masilela, Modise, Lethsolonyane, Dikgacoi, Tshabalala, Pienaar, Mphela.

Uruguay (4-4-2): Muslera, Victorino, Godin, Lugano, M Pereira, Arevalo, Gonzalez, A Pereira, Perez, Suarez, Forlan.   

Review: Day 5

Group F

         New Zealand   1-1   Slovakia

The 12:30 kick offs threw up another disappointing game in a half empty stadium in Rustenburg. Slovakia looked to be on course for a first World Cup win as an independent state, but the All Whites rallied late on to earn a first of their own, a World Cup point.

This game followed the general pattern of the tournament so far as both sides were tentative, nervous and lacking in any attacking purpose. Mexican waves, therefore, were not long in coming. 

The New Zealanders started the game the brightest. An aerial bombardment of the Slovakian penalty area was their only ploy and it almost paid dividends early on, but the storm was generally easily weathered.

Slovakia weren't much better themselves. Their much lauded captain, Marek Hamsik, disappointed throughout, as did most of his team mates, but the one shining light was Vladimir Weiss. The Manchester City midfielder and son of the manager, Vladimir senior, clearly had quick feet and movement. If the Slovaks were going to produce anything, he would surely be involved. 

Another youngster, Miroslav Stoch, was also clearly missed. The newly signed Fenerbache player inspired Twente to the title in Holland and is of the same mould as Weiss. His dribbling skills may have made a difference. 

Into the second half, Slovakia started to take some control and finally the goal came through Vittek. The bald target man took his header beautifully and really that should have been enough to win the game and put the Europeans on top of Group F ahead of trickier games. 

The all Whites threw everything they had at the opposition in the dying minutes and Shane Schmeltz showed great calmness and precision to put the ball on the head of a delighted Winston Reid. 

This may be as good as it gets for Ricki Herbert's team, but for Slovakia it was an opportunity lost. If Italy and Paraguay go on to beat the All Whites then this will be the moment that the Slovaks through away their World Cup ambitions. 

Judging from the performances of both these teams today, neither of them should have enough to bother the the other group members anyway.      

Group G

         Ivory Coast   0-0   Portugal

The meeting of Cote d'Ivoire and Portugal in Port Elizabeth was considered to be one of the glamour ties of the opening round, but not for the first time in South Africa, a game failed to live up to expectations. 

In the first 45 minutes the closest anybody came to breaking the deadlock was Cristiano Ronaldo. His long range effort dipped and swerved before hitting a post. After that early incident, the game became crappy and uneventful. If anything, the Elephants showed the greater purpose going forward, while the Portuguese became unsurprisingly petulant and almost uninterested. 

Gervinho became the star of the game in the second period. The diminutive Lille striker with the Brazilian name showed pace and dedication to getting his country an opening victory, and as the game wore on the Ivorians looked the more likely to achieve that feat. 

Ultimately however, both teams settled for a draw, even with Didier Drogba on the pitch. With a last second corner, the elephants chose to take it short and end the game rather than ping it into the box, something they might come to regret.  

Portugal were a disappointment. Their two year problem of not being able to score has not been solved by the lightweight Liedson, who barely touched the ball up front. Danny failed to shine in midfield, Deco didn't want to be there and the Nani issue looks to be hanging over the squad. The Ivory Coast missed a big chance to end Portugal's tournament early on.

Qualification may now come down to goal difference between the teams, meaning whoever can lose by the least against Brazil, or win by the most against North Korea, who themselves will be no push over.

        

        Brazil   2-1   North Korea

The North Korean shocked the world by running the five time champions so close in Ellis Park, the scene of Brazil's Confederations Cup victory last summer.

The first half was either another boring 45 minutes of World Cup football or a lesson in the timeless are of defending. The Koreans showcased their organisational qualities and probably the best defensive performance yet to be seen at these finals. The pre game notions that they would fold like napkins were quickly discarded.

Not only were they defensively adept but the North Korean Wayne Rooney, Jong Tae-Se, was proving to be a half decent player after all, as the Selecao didn't have things their own way.

The favourites picked things up in the second half. At half time they would have been happy to escape from Johannesburg with a 1-0 win having looked so narrow and lethargic in the opening period. The spark the world was waiting for finally arrived via Elano and Maicon a few minutes into the second half. 

Maican's shot, or cross, rocketed into the net from the tightest of angles, taking the Korean 'keeper by surprise. The Inter right back looked to even be crying as he fell to the floor in celebration. What it means to represent the beautiful game's primary exponents was summed up in his reaction to scoring. 

With the pressure mounting, Robinho, who clearly takes more pride in his national canary yellow shirt than he does in the blue of Manchester City, slid a pass through to an overlapping Elano who side footed home effortlessly. 

On the occasion of both strikes Brazil appeared to be going nowhere but they can strike from anywhere at any moment. Their movement and ability to pick a pass resulted in two goals that other teams can only dream of scoring. 

North Korea played their part and even scored a goal of their own late on. That alone will give them confidence in their final games and they must now even be considered potential fillers of second spot in Group G. With Portugal and Ivory Coast so profligate in front of goal, what seemed impossible may not be so unlikely after all.

As for Brazil, they must do better, particularly Luis Fabiano and Kaka.   

Review: Day 4

Group E

        Holland   2-0   Denmark

The Dutch opened their World Cup campaign with a welcome, if not impressive, victory over European rivals Denmark.

Much is expected of a star studded Dutch line-up over the next four weeks. Their attacking options have the ability to strike fear into any opposition and that is what they did in their build up over the past three weeks. Mexico, Ghana and Hungary were all easily disposed of with flair and confidence, but Denmark were a far more rugged and organised opponent.

The best opportunity of the first half fell to Nicklas Bendtner but the Arsenal striker seemed to be between two minds of what to do with his header. The Netherlands, meanwhile, struggled to create opportunities from their intricate passing. Rafael van der Vaart mustered a couple of long range shots but neither were close to the target. Ultimately, the first half was a let down from the game that much was expected of.

Denmark may have been without Jon Dahl Tommason but they qualified impresively for the World Cup with some confident attacking performances. That form was not on show in Soccer City however.

One minute into the second half, a cross from Robin van Persie resulted in a comical own goal from the unfortunate Daniel Agger. Left-back Simon Poulsen headed the ball off the Liverpool defender's back and into the bottom corner of the goal. Poulsen greeted his horrific error with a smile, a response that would result in cruxifiction in England, although surely the Danes won't be impressed either.

The introduction of Hamburg's Eljero Elia changed the tempo of the game. The centrally confined passing of the first hour was traded in for some expansive attacking verve, which ultimately paid off for the late second goal. Ibrahim Afellay's late appearance also upset the Danes, as they failed to deal with the pace of the Dutch replacements.

If the Dutch are to live up to expectations then improvement will be needed in their forthcoming fixtures with Japan and Cameroon. Bert van Marvijk has been given a welcome headache however with the form of the players sprung from the bench, as well as the impending return of Arjen Robben.   

While the Dutch now have some room for experimentation and some freedom to express themselves, Morten Olsen's eleven will have no choice but to grind out a win from the second game with Cameroon. Both teams are on the verge of elimination so defeat is not an option.

          Cameroon   0-1   Japan

Japan's victory over Cameroon has opened up the fight for second place and has even enhanced Denmark's chances of claiming that coveted second place behind Holland.

Much was expected of the African outfit in this tournament. Paul le Guen's team were highly fancied to be Africa's best team considering they have "an easy group", but that theory has to be discarded following what is a magnificent result for the Japanese.

The game itself was yet another disappointing affair between two average teams, but Japan's best player, Keisuke Honda sealed the tie with a well taken goal in the first half. His quick feet put his side ahead as the Cameroon defence was left scrambling to close him down.

Asia's two representatives so far, excluding Australia, have now both won their first games. South Korea have taken a huge step toward the second round due to their impressive dismantling of Greece, while Japan have now won their first World Cup game away from home. Both sides were expected to bring up the rear in their groups, but both now may reach the knockout stages away from Asia for the first time.

These three points are not enough to guarantee a last 16 place but one more win or even one more point may even be enough. South Korea in particular will be quietly confident.

Cameroon meanwhile are in big trouble. Samuel Eto'o was playing out wide and Alex Song wasn't on the pitch. The francophone's paid the price and will now need to beat Denmark in their next game to stand any hope of pursuing their African dream, but judging from their lack of fight in Bloemfontein, that seems unlikely. 

Group F

            Italy   1-1   Paraguay

World Champions Italy got off to a sluggish start as they attempt to be the first team to defend the title since Brazil in 1962, and judging from this performance that statistic looks set to stand for another four years.

The Italians looked shaky at the back and devoid of ideas up front. Only Fabio Cannavarro, Gianluca Zambrotta and Gianluigi Buffon reamined from the starting line up the 2006 final and the 2010 replacements look inferior to that vintage. 

The defensive organisation that is expected of Italian teams was not evident and il capitano is clearly not the player of four years ago. In attack, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenxo Iaquinta offered little and barely produced a chance between them. 

For all the goals of Gilardino, Iaquinta and Toto di Natale in Serie 'A', that has not translated into goals for the Azzuri. The best chances that the Italian's created came from set pieces, and their equalizer finally came because of a goalkeeping error from a corner that let in Danielle de Rossi to tap home. 

The return of Andrea Pirlo may be the spark that will allow the Italian attack to shine, but that will not be until game three with Slovakia. With such a straightforward group, this team should be capable of qualifying anyway.

Paraguay, despite having taken the lead, were no better than their opposition. Once scoring, they rarely ventured forward and seemed happy to sit back and hope for the best, a tactic that didn't pay off. 

The injuries and lack of form of Oscar Cardozo and Roque Santa Cruz will need to be overcome if they are to impress against Slovakia. Italy were there for the taking but they failed to build on their first half advantage, playing some uninspired stuff in the process. 

The Paraguayans may somehow stumble through to the last 16 because of this point, but it wont be pretty.