Group E:
Cameroon: 15,000-1 odds
Why they'll win it:
Samuel Eto'o remains one of the world's deadliest strikers, despite a disappointing first season at Inter Milan. Any team with Eto'o stands a chance to a certain degree. In midfield, Alex Song of my beloved Arsenal anchors the midfield. Song had a great year at the London club and proved to be one of the best young defensive midfielders in the world. Goalkeeper is another big strength, with Carlos Kameni between the sticks.
Why they won't:
Eto'o is great, but he's not a creator. He needs distribution from the midfield to be successful. I don't see that in this Cameroon side. Song is the best they have in midfield, but he's of the defensive variety. Recent friendlies have not been impressive either, with losses to Portugal and Serbia.
Projection:
With Eto'o I can't count them out completely, but Cameroon just doesn't have what it takes to make the knockout stage. I see them finishing 3rd in this group.
Denmark: 500-1 odds
Why they'll win it:
The Danes suprised everyone by finishing above Portugal in their qualifying group. They are strong in most departments, especially defense. At 21 years of age, Simon Kjaer is one of the best young defenders in the world. Look for him to have a breakout tournament. At 18 years old, Christian Eriksen is the youngest player in the tourney, and will be a super sub coming off the bench. Look for this kid to be a star come 5 years from now. Striker Nicklas Bendtner has a tremendous scoring record for country which I wish he could replicate for Arsenal.
Why they won't:
They are pretty good in every department, but masters in none. The midfield is very steely, but red cards could be in the offing that's for sure. Bendtner is notorious for fluffing his chances in front of goal, which can be a nightmare at times. Recent results don't do them favors either. They've lost to South Africa, Austria, and Australia.
Projection:
Recent losses aside, this team is solid. They don't have a glaring weakness in any department. This is a possible darkhorse team, and they should advance to the knockouts with a second place finish in the group.
Japan: 5,000-1 odds
Why they'll win it:
The Samurai are a technically gifted side who can maintain possession against most teams. Striker, Keisuke Honda is coming off a great year at CSK Moscow and will be looking to emerge as a star. Shunsuke Nakamura will be as dangerous as ever on free kicks and the defense can attack with the best of em.
Why they won't:
Honda is capable of a wonder goal, but he's not the most prolific of strikers. Indeed no one is on Japan. They can keep possession, but it often doesn't lead to anything. They've also had a dreadful run of games of late, losing to Serbia, South Korea, England, and Ivory Coast. That means they're 0-4 against World Cup teams in friendlies. Not good. Oh ya, and Japan has never won a World Cup match on foreign soil.
Projection:
Japan is capable of an upset, but I don't see them advancing to the knockout stage. They will put up a fight for the 2nd spot, but I can't see them pulling it off. History says they don't travel well, and I'm going with history on this one.
Netherlands: 5-1 odds
Why they'll win it:
Holland, Netherlands, the Dutch, doesn't matter what we call them, this team is the real deal. Arjen Robben is a world player of the year candidate after his masterful year at Bayern Munich, and Wesley Sneijder of Inter is right there with him. The Holland attack is simply loaded. My favorite player, Robin van Persie leads the line after recovering from an injury earlier in the year and Rafael Van der Vaart rounded into form at Real Madrid at just the right time to make a splash here. Even the defense is looking suprisingly good. They didn't lose a game in qualifying or in recent friendlies either.
Why they won't:
The defense is suprisingly good because we're used to them being a big question mark. The Dutch can outscore any team in the world, but can the defense keep out enough goals to win games? The Euro tourament is a prime example, as the attack wowed people, the D did them in against Russia. There is also the issue of Robben's recent hamstring injury. We'll find out the extent of that tomorrow.
Projection:
The Dutch will be the most entertaining side in the tourney. No other team boasts the attacking talent of this side. They do have a history of coming up short, but the Dutch should fly through this group. A title run is in the books for this team, and you should expect to see them in the semis at least. By all means, try catch some of this team's games. You will be entertained.
Tune in tomorrow for my breakdown of Group F.
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