The Future's Bright...

The Netherlands are the first team to have sealed qualification to the next round of the tournament, with the opportunity to rest some of their players in the last group game, which will just be regarded as a formality, after Denmark's win over Cameroon confirmed their place. The game against Cameroon is pretty much meaningless, as Cameroon became the first team to exit the World Cup. It was a sad goodbye to the African side who failed to pick up a point in either of their two matches.

However, the game between Japan and Denmark will be one to watch as the two will be battling it out for second place. Japan did well in their victory over Cameroon, and were hoping to use the same tactics and formation to defeat the Dutch. Whilst it wasn't a great performance from Holland, it was enough to see out the Japanese, who really made the game difficult for the Oranjes.

The Dutch were the more dominant in possession, but were frustratingly stifled by a Japanese side brimming in confidence after their victory against Cameroon. To their credit they did well in preventing the Dutch team from getting into the box and getting their shots away on target. In fact, Holland were reduced to shooting in from distance with the heavily criticised Jabulani ball. And just like in the Cameroon game, Japan were not content with just sitting back, but ventured forward in the hope of stealing a goal. They weren't far off either, but the Dutch defence and keeper just did enough.

The breakthrough came for Holland early on in the second half when Robin van Persie was able to get hold of the ball in the box and pass it through to Inter's Wesley Sneijder who lashed the ball at the Japanese goal. It looked like Kawashima was going to save it, but it somehow slipped off his palms and wound its way into the back of the net. It was another so-called "Jabulani moment" with the ball claiming yet another victim. The goal forced Japan to abandon Plan A, and go for Plan B - i.e. attack. They got close with Okazaki but the ball was fired over, and as they pushed forward, they were inevitably left open at the back, with Dutch sub, Ibrahim Afellay unable to add to the scoreline after two clear chances. The one goal was enough in the end as the Dutch went top of their group, but by no means have we seen the best out of them yet. Remember: Robben also missed this game too, but he will hopefully be back for the game in the round of 16, and may get some game time in the last group game too. He will hopefully add more width to their play, and we may finally see some of this "total football" we have been promised.

Denmark and Cameroon both came into their match, with defeats in their first games. They knew, that if either of them won, then the other would be out of contention to compete for the runner-up spot. Cameroon certainly started off the better out of the two, keeping the ball well and being able to create chances, much as they had done against Japan. The only difference was that they were more clinical in their finishing, and they took the lead with just 10 minutes gone: Eto'o taking advantage of some more dodgy defending by the Danes, after Christian Poulsen's casual pass was pounced upon by Webo who passed it to the Cameroon captain. The Indomitable Lions, were assisted creatively by the lively Alex Song, who sat out the first game against Japan. He occupied a holding midfield role, which allowed the forward players and attacking midfielders to push on with greater conviction. After playing him out on the right, where he played really poorly, Paul Le Gen opted for a more central role for Eto'o, which suited him far better.

As long as the score remained 1-0, the Danes were still in with a chance, and Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner made sure that he didn't miss any this time around. Simon Kjaer hoofed the ball upfield, covering at least 60 yards - it was an absolute beaut of a pass, and was taken down by the impressive Dennis Rommedahl who floated it over to Bendtner to slide home from close range. It was a great goal created by simple long ball tactics and minimal passing - something that Bendtner is not used to, but that didn't matter as his side was now level with Cameroon.

The equaliser set up what turned out to be a really gripping game - one of the best of the tournament so far. It was really open and end-to-end attacking stuff, as neither side wanted to lose. Both teams began to play really freely leaving those watching absolutely breathless. As they both raced forward, they sort of forgot about defending, and both sides had some real shocking moments!

Rommedahl got the winner for Denmark, and deservedly so, after a great performance. This time Bendtner turned provider, in a swift counter-attacking move allowing Rommedahl to skip past Jean Makoun and slot it in past the Cameroonian goalie. Thereafter Cameroon increased the pressure on their European opposition and chances were close at either end but credit must go to Thomas Sorensen, who pulled off some marvellous saves to keep Cameroon out. Christian Poulsen, who had been the villain in one half, was the hero in the other, when he, rather unknowingly it has to be said, blocked a shot with his head. It left him seeing stars in the closing stages of the match, but he was soon back on his feet to see the game out.

It was a great comeback from the Danes who now go on to face Japan in the second place decider. They will have gained some confidence from this performance, and will be looking to join neighbours, Holland in the last 16. But be no under illusion, Japan will provide a stern test and the Danes will be without Kjaer, who's been so impressive in both games for Denmark. For Cameroon however, it is a bitter blow not only for them but for Africa too. Unfortunately, on African soil the African teams have not been having much fortune. It is always sad to see the first team go and Cameroon, who have won the African Cup of Nations 4 times, will no doubt have expected much better of their performances on African soil.