Netherlands

Location: North West Europe, bordered by the North sea to the North & West, Belgium to the South & Germany to the East (52.19N 05.33E)

Prior Appearances: Eight (1934-38, 1974-78, 1990-98, 2006)

Best Performance: Runners-Up 1974 (V West Germany) & 1978 (V Argentina) both losses to hosts

Qualification: UEFA (Europe) 1st in Group containing Norway & Scotland (W 8 D 0 L 0)

Players to watch:

Arjen Robben (FW – Bayern Munich, German Bundesliga)

Robben has long been a key member of this Dutch side, it’s hard to believe he’s 26. Robben has had a stellar season after moving to Bayern Munich this season, scoring a bagful of goals, playing in a Champions League final and winning the German Footballer of the Year award, becoming only the 4th non-German to do so.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst (DF – Feyenoord, Dutch Eredivisie)

Van Bronckhorst is the captain of this dutch side going into the world cup and at 35, has announced that he will retire following this tournament, having played for the team since 1996 he looks set to make his 100th appearance for the Dutch during this tournament. Van Bronckhorst has been a rock at the back for Feyenoord and a crucial part of the Netherland’s perfect record in qualifying. He could be crucial in the latter stages of this tournament.

Prediction: Everyone seems to have forgotten about the Dutch, who had a stellar qualifying campaign, they don’t seem to be on anyone’s list to win the tournament. The Dutch do have a nasty habit of underperforming at major tournaments, but then again the Spanish had it even worse and they won Euro. They’ll walk through this group easily and they have a pretty good shot at going all the way here, should they top the group (which they should) they’ll have the easier line to the semi-final, probably against England, Australia, Korea or Uruguay. I think the draw helps the Dutch have a real shot here. (Finalists)

Denmark

Location: Scandinavia, South of Sweden & Norway, North of Germany, bordered by the Baltic & North seas. (55.43N, 12.34E)

Prior Appearances: Three (1986, 1998, 2002)

Best Performance: Quarter-Finals 1998 (V Brazil)

Qualification: UEFA (Europe) 1st in Group 1, containing Portugal & Sweden (W 6 D 3 L 1)

Players to watch:

Nicklas Bendtner (FW – Arsenal, English Premier League)

Bendtner is perhaps the most well known of the Danish line up. At 22 he has cemented himself as a crucial part of the Arsenal line up, having been injured earlier in the season he has gone on to have solid form as Arsenal closed out the season. Bendtner is the Danish Young Player of the Year and will be looking to burst out at this World Cup.

Per Kroldrup (DF – Fiorentina, Italian Serie A)

At the other end of the spectrum is Kroldrup, a regular member of the Fiorentina side, Koldrup has benefited from his time in Italy to mature as a defender. At 30 Kroldrup is approaching the best form of his career and will be looking to make an impression in this world cup.

Prediction: This is a group of death, the Danes will have to be at their absolute best. I feel that with the mix of styles in this group the Danes may struggle to adapt to the changes. If they can adapt they could do well. (Group Stages)

Japan

Location: Off the east coast of the Asian continent in the Pacific Ocean east of China, South & North Korea & Russia. (35.41N 139.46E)

Prior Appearances: Three (1998-2006)

Best Performance: 2nd Round 2002 (V Turkey) As hosts

Qualification: AFC (Asia) 2nd in Group A, containing Austalia (W 4 D 3 L 1)

Players to watch:

Yashuito Endo (MF – Gamba Osaka, Japanese J-League)

Yashuito Endo has had a stellar career both for Japan & his clubs, a winner of the AFC Player of the year & Asian Champions League player of the year, Endo has established himself as a superstar in Japan. With versitility that has seen him play in several positions under several managers, and a free kick specialist, Endo will be a key for Japan in South Africa.

Yuji Nakazawa (DF – Yokohama F.Marinos, Japanese J-League)

Nakazawa has been an integral part of why the Mariners have gone from Japanese minnows to challenging for the big honours in the J-League. His solid defence has seen him become a regular in the Japanese side, earning his 100th cap for the national team in the East Asian Championship. In a tight group his contribution will be crucial.

Prediction: Again a group of death for the Japanese. They’ve performed well over the years, but this isn’t the best squad they’ve ever had, they’ll need to improve their attack especially if they are to do well. (Group Stages)

Cameroon

Location: Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the North East, CAR to the East, Equitoria Guinea, Gabon & Republic of Congo to the South.

Prior Appearances: Five (1982, 1990-2002)

Best Performance: Quarter Finals 1990 (V England, lost in extra time)

Qualification: CAF (Africa) 1st in Group 1 (W 5 D 1 L 0)

Players to watch:

Samuel Eto’o (FW – Inter Milan, Italian Serie A)

Eto’o has long been the star of this Cameroon side, having played in 3 champions league finals and scoring over 150 goals in his career. Eto’o is a key part of this Cameroon side and will need to be at his best for Cameroon to do well.

Alexandre Song (MF – Arsenal, English Premier League)

Song is a key member both of Arsenal & this Cameroon side, playing the key holding midfielder role. His good work for Arsenal this season saw him become a regular of this side and earn a new four year contract with the Gunners. Playing in such a key role for the team and in such form, Song will be key for Cameroon.

Prediction: Cameroon have been stars in Africa for a long time, and if Spain’s recent performances are anything to go by, Cameroon should do well, after all they beat Spain in the 2000 Olympic final, and those players are hitting peak. It’ll be difficult for Cameroon, but after missing out in 2006 they’ll be determined to do well. Should they make it out of their group, they’ll likely run into World Champions Italy in the second round. (Second Round)

Tags: Cameroon, Denmark, Group E, Japan, Netherlands, World Cup 2010