Holland became the second team after Argentina to win all their three matches. They started of in strong form, and in this match against Cameroon showed their classic manners of play, almost an easy advance to the last 16. Robin van Persie is one of the most superior players in the team, and one of Oranje's notable favourites, Arjen Robben made his comeback into the team. The fans were so bright and cheery, and it added to the happy Dutch ride to the next round.
Goal Scorers: Nicklas Bendtner, Dennis Rommedahl [D] & Samuel Eto'o [C]
I have frozen fingers, they might just crack and fall of with indignation. African teams are simply hopeless. Although Denmark did not strike me as one of those who might lift the trophy when they played against the Dutch, it just shows the low standard of Cameroonian football. Nobody knows how to defend anymore [with the exception of N.Korea], their all just running to attack, or running somewhere and leaving their goalposts salivating for an attack from the opposition.
I do feel sorry for Eto'o. He scored that goal and I thought they might beat the Danish with some steady soccer, but alas, they were beaten. The last goal from Dennis Rommedahl was wonderful, and suddenly the Danes seem threatening and Japan will have to protect its defense with more determination.
So far, Netherlands have not played entertaining soccer, in fact, their two matches have been rather boring. The goals too, were not at all exemplary, this one hit the hands of the goalie. If only goalies made fewer mistakes, at least we would have more losses where they were deserved. They have won though, and with six straight points on board, they are going to the super 16. They do have one of the easiest groups, and I'm actually impressed that they won both matches, seeing how awfully the other teams have done.
Goal Scorers: Robert Vittek [S] & Winston Reidwas [N.Z.]
Another one of those small team matches, with New Zealand zealously defending and the Slovakians trying to get through it. Slovenia's Robert Vittek scored in the 50th minute for Slovakia, and they were almost sure of a win, when in 92th minute of the game New Zealand's Winston Reidwas broke through and scored a goal. His celebrated ecstatically, knowing he had saved his team with a draw. The group now stands at one point all.
Cape Town welcomed the World Cup winners with dreadful icy rain and chilly winds. I was shivering from just watching the screen as the cold bit into the players. I don't know why they did not make Cape Town a covered stadium knowing that it is has an awfully wet winter.
The strategy of the Paraguayan players had one very important element; their kit. What were those socks about? They looked like court jesters. Of course, this troubled the highly fashion conscious Italians, who were blinded by the stripes and the colour coordination. Then the South Americans played better soccer.
I was rather looking forward to Cannavaro because he is one of my favourite players, and I think that song they play in the Nike ad when he saves the goal is hilarious. I'm rather sorry about it, but if its one thing that the Italian team was yesterday, it was old. They looked tired, and the rain did not help. The lanky goalkeeper looked especially tired, and when he apparently injured his back, had to be substituted by somebody more sprightly.
Paraguay played better in the first half, scoring a good goal and the Italians in the second half, after been stared down by Marcello Lippi. However, it was not good enough. Paraguay would have won if it were not for the clumsy half save by the goalkeeper resulting in a final Italian goal and Gattuso doing the customary head hold with one of his teammates. The goalkeepers are getting a bit worrying rather.
A good match for the Paraguayans, keeping the Azzurri Champions at a draw. Though the Italians need get a bit more upbeat, and start going for goal
Pepe's attempt at a bicycle kick, should be followed by many. I really want to see somebody do one, after all, it's on the logo.
Goal Scorers: Daniel Agger [Danish, own goal] &Dirk Kuyt
Johannesburg has beautiful blue skies in winter, and that brightens up the entire city, the sunlight melting the chill. The Dutch crowd looked like nartjies, which are oranges that you peel by hand and find sweet segments inside. I thought everybody knew this until I handed out a box of them to those queuing for last minute World Cup tickets, and they looked at in surprise.
The first of the Group E matches, was filled with spectators, while the teams took the field, ready to take on their first match. It was a reasonably played game, but there was nothing spectacular from either side. The Danish played almost hesitantly but failed to succeed far, while all the hopes were penned on the Dutch having had a streak of continuous wins. However, it took an own goal, a header by the Danish Daniel Agger, to finally get a score on board. Then a late Dirk Kuyt tap-in sealed the victory for the Netherlands.
Robin V. Persie was the only player that notably stood out, playing wonderfully and who's cross led to the final goal. All in all, the match was alright, but it was a decidedly low-key start for the Dutch team.
