World Cup
2010-06-24 - Cameroon vs Netherlands
A Sports Betting Pick by ROzsolt
Football: FIFA World Cup: Group E
Venue: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Thursday 24th June 2010 – Kickoff time: 19:30 GMT
Cameroon (FIFA rank: 19)
Cameroon only has their pride to play for, having been knocked out of the World Cup following their 2-1 defeat against Denmark.
The Indomitable Lions took the lead in Pretoria through Samuel Eto'o but Denmark responded through Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl to send Le Guen's side home.
Despite losing, this was a much improved performance by Cameroon, and unsurprisingly it was brought about by returning of Samuel Eto'o back to his accustomed centre-forward position. Achille Emana's introduction into the midfield helped to feed the energetic Eto'o, and will leave their fans wondering what might have been if they would have adopted this approach in their opening game.
This squad definitely has the quality to open up any defense, but besides Eto’o no one showed signs of a natural finisher, which proved costly against Denmark. The midfield broke down the play well, but the defense was easily caught out due to some naive defending.
Cameroon do have something to celebrate in this tie, it will be their 20th match at the World Cup finals, which makes them the first African side to reach that number. They should be determined to gain as much respect as they can before pack their bags.
Netherlands (FIFA rank: 4)
The Dutch are already trough to the Round of 16 and would probably secure top spot in group E even if they lose this match.
Having beaten Denmark 2-0 in their opening game, Bert van Marwijk's side took a significant step towards qualification by defeating Japan 1-0 and should now top the group, but they are steady rather than spectacular. This was not a convincing performance from the country that brought us total football.
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk fielded the same line-up that beat Denmark 2-0 in their group opener, with Van der Vaart, Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt playing in support of forward Robin Van Persie.
Even if they have not impressed in their first two matches, their defense which was until now their weak-point gave the team more stability and looked more secure. Mark Van Bommel and Nigel de Jong had solid performances in the middle of the pitch allowing Weslej Snejder to play freely.
Coach Bert Van Marwijk would probably look to rest much of his starting line-up to prevent any injuries or suspensions. It also gives the Dutch a chance to give some much needed game time to their substitutes, which includes Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and the impressive Eljero Elia.
Robin van Persie will probably sit out, while it seems doubtful that Arjen Robben would be risked by forcing him into a comeback in a meaningless tie. Van Der Wiel and De Jong may also sit out having collected a yellow card in the previous matches.
Head to head:
The two sides have never met in an official competition, with the only two previous head-to-heads being friendlies in 1998 (0-0) and in 2006 (1-0 Netherlands win). Oranje have never lost to an African side at the World Cup finals.
