World Cup 2010: Breaking Down the Groups- Part 2

Well, I didn't exactly set the world on fire with my first set of picks (although I did get USA and England right). Here's hoping for better luck in part two of my group stage breakdown, taking a look at Groups E-H.

Group E
Standings: Holland- 6 points, +3 goal differential; Japan- 3 pts., E; Denmark- 3 pts. -1; Cameroon- 0 pts., -2
Match-ups: Holland vs. Cameroon; Japan vs. Denmark
The situation: Having both posted wins over Cameroon, Japan and Denmark face-off for second-place. While Denmark are the sharper side, Japan have the advantage of advancing with a draw. Barring a highly unlikely set of scores, Holland will top the group regardless of their match with Cameroon.
Prediction: The only group to advance two European teams will see Holland take first, followed by Denmark.

Group F
Standings: Paraguay- 4 pts., +2; Italy- 2 pts., E; New Zealand- 2 pts., E; Slovakia- 1 pt., -2
Match-ups: Paraguay vs. New Zealand; Italy vs. Slovakia
The situation: Despite a pair of lackluster draws, Italy need to only a win in their final match to move on to the knockout phases. But their struggles have allowed Paraguay to seize control of the group; a win over New Zealand will see the South American outfit claim the top spot, and a tie sees them through as well.
Prediction: The Kiwis magic runs out as Paraguay takes first, followed by Italy. The results mean Holland face Italy in the Round of 16.

Group G
Standings: Brazil- 6 pts., +3; Portugal- 4 pts., +7; Ivory Coast- 1 pt., -2; North Korea- 0 pts., -8
Match-ups: Brazil vs. Portugal; Ivory Coast vs. North Korea
The situation: While not technically eliminated, there's no way Ivory Coast are making up nine goals on Portugal. So with Brazil and Portugal assured of going through, it should lead to an open, entertaining match to determine group supremacy. Even with Kaka suspended following an absurd sending off, the world's top ranked team have shown no indication that they'll drop a match here.
Prediction: Brazil stay unbeaten, with Portugal taking second.

Group H
Standings: Chile- 6 pts., +2; Spain- 3 pts., +1; Switzerland- 3 pts., E; Honduras- 0 pts., -3
Match-ups: Chile vs. Spain; Switzerland vs. Honduras
The situation: Chile may sit a top the group with six points, but their position is far from safe. Their failure to improve on a 1-0 scoreline against a weak Honduras side and a Swiss squad that played a man down for much of the match may be their undoing with the goal differential tiebreaker. With Spain and Switzerland both favored, we may see three teams finish with six points. The odd men out would be the first team ever not to reach the knockout stages with five or more points.
Prediction: A win for Spain puts them top of the group, setting up an all-Iberian showdown with Portugal. The punchless Swiss can only manage a draw against Honduras and Chile takes second.

World Cup 2010: Group E Preview

One of only two groups without a past champion, Group E should be a Dutch delight. Holland are the heavy favorites following an impressive qualifying campaign, but Denmark, Cameroon and Japan will look to impede their progress. Here's a closer inspection.

Holland have built a reputation as a consistently entertaining side that threatens but ultimately falls short of final victory. The 2010 edition appears to fit the mold. The talented trio of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder will be complemented by the determined play of scrappy Dirk Kuyt. Together they give the Dutch a strike force as good as any in the tournament. We haven't seen Holland in a major tournament without Edwin van der Sar in net in well over a decade. How well his successor, Maarten Stekelenburg, plays will be critical given the shaky reputation of the Dutch fullbacks. If the goals come in bunches as they did at Euro 2008, Holland will win the group easily.

Denmark arrive at the World Cup having topped Europe's deepest qualifying group, one that featured Portugal, Sweden and Hungary. Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner leads the offense, while midfielder Christian Poulsen is the team's nucleus. While the fixture list gets off to a tough start against Holland, if they can avoid disaster, they'll find the knockout stages for a third time in as many tournaments.

Twenty years ago, Cameroon were the underdog darlings of the World Cup. Their performance in Italy that summer sparked the African soccer movement that brings the tournament to the continent for the first time. This time a trip to the knockout rounds would be less surprising, especially with Samuel Eto'o on the roster. The Inter Milan star threw a hissy fit last week when Cameroon great Roger Milla questioned his credentials. And while he needs to be at his best for the Indomitable Lions to advance, he can't do it alone. Towering Mohamadou Idrissou has the potential to add goals, while Rigobert Song and Geremi lead the defense.

Japan are in the unfortunate position of group whipping boy. A lifeless offense in the games leading up to the World Cup dampen the Blue Samurai's hopes for a first ever tournament win outside of their homeland. Twenty-four year-old midfielder Keisuke Honda represents their best hopes of pulling an upset.

Prediction: The Cameroon-Denmark match in the second round of games looms as the group's key showdown. Assuming Holland top the quartet, expect the winner of that game to take second. The Danes impressive qualifying run and past group stage success make them the pick.