Denmark vs Netherlands
The Netherlands may have the edge on Denmark in terms of big-name performers, but the two sides’ head-to-head record makes for interesting reading. The pair boast two wins apiece from five competitive matches, the Dutch scoring ten goals to the Danes’ nine, while each tasted success in the 1988 and 1992 editions of the UEFA European Championship respectively.
Player to watch
Denmark: Nicklas Bendtner and Daniel Agger
Netherland: Robbie van Persie, Wesley sneijder and Arjen Robben
My Prediction
easy win for netherlands 3-1
Japan vs Cameroon
Group E contest pitting Cameroon against a Japan team who managed to win just one of their four warm-up matches, scoring a solitary goal. But the Indomitable Lions have not enjoyed the best of results recently either, drawing two and losing two of their own preparatory friendlies. This encounter between two teams potentially short on confidence already has a decisive air about it as, with group rivals Denmark and the highly-fancied Netherlands waiting around the corner, neither side will favour starting their second match on the back foot.
Player to watch
Japan:Shunsuke Nakamura and Makoto Hasebe
Cameroon: Samuel Eto'o, Geremi, and Benoit Assou-Ekotto
My Prediction
Tricky match but i'll go for the samurai. 2-1
Italy vs Paraguay
The defending world champions make their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa debut against Paraguay in a match that ought to have a major bearing on who tops Group F. And not for the first time in their history, the men in blue will be heading into their opening match with several questions to answer.
Player to watch
Italy: Vicenzo Iaquinta, Andrea Pirlo, Alberto Gilardino, and Antonio Di Natale
Paraguay: Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios
My Prediction
Draw 1-1
