The Netherlands came into Thursday already having a spot in the next round. They just needed not to lose against Cameroon in order to get the top spot in Group E and get to face the runner up in Group F (Slovakia). They would get a win over Cameroon, 2-1, with Robin Van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar getting goals for them. They finish with 9 points and the top spot.
The real game in this group was Japan vs. Denmark were the winner would advance to the next round. Japan owned this match with a couple of great first half, free kick goals from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo. Denmark would get a goal in the 81' where Jon Dahl Tomasson took a penalty kick that hit off the keeper that would result into a goal anyway thanks a rebound effort from Tomasson. Japan would hold on and actually score another goal with Shinji Okazaki scoring thanks to some help by Keisuke Honda. Japan wins, 3-1, and goes on to the Round of 16.
Group E is over and some more Round of 16 match ups are made with the Netherlands going against the Slovakia and Japan to face Paraguay. I like Japan and would like to see them go further but Paraguay seems likely to be their last stop at this tournament. The Dutch look good but better be aware of Slovakia's abilities lest they get taken down a peg like Italy.
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