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Netherlands

The Dutch did as much to build South Africa as the English and were Holland to win the World Cup in Johannesburg it would be a fittingly romantic story for Europe's most romantic team. It is perfectly possible. Although Marco van Basten may have gone after a disappointing European Championship, to be replaced by the considerably less charismatic Van Marwijk, the Dutch qualified without dropping so much as a point. However, for most of those games, Robin van Persie was the central figure and this brilliant centre forward suffered a serious ankle injury in a friendly against the Italians in November. Although he was scheduled to return to Arsenal's ranks in April, his match fitness will be a doubt.

Results & Fixtures Team Analysis

Cameroon

There has been a lot talked about this World Cup putting African football on the map but this is precisely what Cameroon did 20 years ago. It is not too much to expect that with players of the quality of Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Kameni, Cameroon might match the quarter-final position reached by the Indomitable Lions in 1990. They have not qualified from the group stages since Italia 90 and the fact that Eto'o scored all but two of their goals in qualification underlines his quality but also suggests Cameroon are rather over-reliant on him. They nevertheless have plenty of experience and the advantage of playing Holland last.

Results & Fixtures Team Analysis

The Outsiders

Denmark

The Danes occupy a similar position in this World Cup to Serbia. They were not expected to play much part in South Africa and, if they qualified at all, it was expected to be via a play-off. Instead, they topped their group, seeing off Portugal and Sweden in the process. Their qualification is a triumph for those who believe the key to international success is consistency. Morten Olsen has been in the dugout for a decade and the Danish FA resisted the temptation to dismiss the coach after their failure to qualify for their last two major tournaments. Denmark should make an impact in this tournament but their one drawback is that all their games are at altitude.

Results & Fixtures Team Analysis

Japan

Sir Alex Ferguson, who led Scotland to last place in their group in the 1986 World Cup, once remarked that the first job of any coach is to be an optimist. So full marks to Japan's Takeshi Okada, who predicted that his side would reach the semi-finals. Frankly, they would do well to get out of Group E. Although they have dominated the Asian Cup in recent years, they have made relatively little impact in World Cups and were hit by Hidetoshi Nakata's decision to retire at 29. They lack a significant goalscorer and they have never beaten any of the teams they are due to meet in the group. Given that they play Holland second, Okada may have to stake everything on winning the opening game with Cameroon in Bloemfontein.

Results & Fixtures Team Analysis

Star Players

Robin van Persie (NED/Arsenal) He may not be properly match fit but is the single most exciting player in the group, the son of an artist who is a direct link to the great figures of Dutch football like Van Basten and Cruyff. This is a perfect opportunity to wash away memories of the dreadful ankle injury he sustained in November.

Samuel Eto'o (CAM/Inter Milan) One of the greatest figures in African football who has scored for Barcelona in two Champions League finals; has scored more times in the Africa Cup of Nations than anyone else and yet has a relatively poor World Cup record. He made his debut in the competition in 1998 as a 17-year-old but has only scored once in the tournament, in 2002.

Nicklas Bendtner (DEN/Arsenal) Young, opinionated and talented, the 22-year-old striker is running into form just in time to make a major impact in South Africa. With the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor, with whom he did not get on, and the injury to Van Persie, Bendtner has seized the opportunity to show his talent in front of goal.

Shunsuke Nakamura (JAP/Yokohama) With David Beckham injured, Nakamura may possess the best free-kick in the World Cup. Described as "the soul of our midfield" by Japan's former manager, Zico, Nakamura is now back where he began at Yokohama after spells in Italy, Scotland and Spain.

Arjen Robben (NED/Bayern Munich) This will be the midfielder's fourth major tournament and, should he repeat his man-of-the match performances of 2006, the Dutch will back themselves to go a lot further than they did in Germany four years ago. His versatility as a playmaker or on the wings may be critical.

Carlos Kameni (CAM/Espanyol) It is often said that the biggest failure of African football is their inability to produce good goalkeepers. In his six years in La Liga with Espanyol, the 26 year old from Douala has proved the exception and once went eight and a half hours without conceding a goal.