Denmark may have had little luck with Holland's opening goal that ricocheted from Simon Paulsen's head in off Daniel Agger's body, but there was more to their defeat than fortune. Goalkeeper, Thomas Sorensen, was not the only one to point his finger at some dreadful defending while others wondered whether the Denmark coach, Morten Olsen, had been right in throwing in half-fit players such as Nicklas Bendtner and Simon Kjaer. Given that Denmark need at least a point, he will have to gamble again – and may risk the national captain, Jon Dahl Tomasson, another who is not really ready. 

Following a humbling defeat to Japan, Cameroon are arguably in worse shape than the Danes since they have already faced the weakest team in the group. Their manager, Paul Le Guen, blamed nerves, the inability to keep possession and a poor attitude for contributing to what until Switzerland overcame Spain, was the biggest shock of the World Cup to date.  "We need to make a better start against Japan and we are fortunate to be playing a team that also lost its opening match," said the Lyon midfielder, Jean Makoun. 

Denmark look like a team under considerable pressure, not least because they have been condemned by the draw to play all their matches at altitude. For both sides, but especially for Cameroon, who face Holland last, this is a match that has to be won and in Samuel Eto'o, Le Guen at least has the outstanding footballer on either side with which to force victory. If he wants to prove those critics wrong who claim Eto'o seldom produces for his country, this would be the moment for the Inter striker to do it. Verdict: Cameroon to win.