Day 4 of the World Cup

Day Four of the World Cup is already here, making some steady progress through the group stage!

Here is my take on the day.

Netherlands vs Denmark
Result: 2-0 (Agger 45' [og], Kuyt 84')

- Of course, the Netherlands dominated possession throughout the game like they inevitably do, but the first half was mainly just possession for possession's sake. It never really amounted to any good chances because Denmark had time to set their defense up, which becomes tough to break down against an organized opponent. Elia, who I thought should have started, changed the tempo of the game by making excellent runs down the wing and taking defenders on, which led to the second goal. Poor luck by Denmark on the first goal, but they can build on this. They performed better than the scoreline indicated and should do alright from now on having played the best team in the group.

Japan vs Cameroon
Result: 1-0 (Honda 38') <-- lmao

-Really Cameroon? What is with these African teams choking on their home soil! Japan is a very mediocre team. They pinched a goal off a calm finish by "Honda" lmao, and then proceeded to park the team bus in front of the goal. The African side made various attempts at equalizing (one thrashing shot in particular had the posts rattling for a good minute afterwards) but could do nothing to break the stout Japanese defense. Who needs the Great Wall of China anyways? Cameroon needs to work on putting better service into the box, it seemed like no one was winning headers in that third of the pitch.


Predicted Finish for Group E
1) Netherlands - 9 points
2) Denmark - 4 points
3) Japan - 3 points
4) Cameroon - 1 points

Thoughts:
Cameroon really hurt themselves by dropping points to Japan, and that might spell disaster for them unless they can maybe tie with the Dutch and beat Denmark. The problem is that both teams they have left to play are more quality sides than what they already lost to, so we shall see how they do.

Italy vs Paraguay
Result: 1-1 Draw (Alcaraz 38', De Rossi 62')

- Wow Italy, how far have you fallen! Buffon is hurt, and Pirlo is out, leaving a huge lack of creativity in the midfield. I was really dissapointed with this effort, they just seemed very slow and predictable for much of the game. Even when Paraguay scored it didn't seem to wake up the Italians. But, the Italians know how to win so let's not discount their ability to play gritty, ugly football and get through to the group stage. They've been blessed with a particularly easy group so this shouldn't be the end of the road for them. Paraguay looked alright, was impressed on their first goal where their tiny defender, bound for West Ham United, won an outrageous header through two men. Class.