Dutch are the team to beat in Group E

A talented Netherlands squad start as firm favourites in a tight Group E with Japan, Cameroon and Denmark set to fight for second place.

A red-hot qualifying campaign saw the Dutch sail through to the finals without dropping a point and coach Bert van Marwijk is happy with the way the draw panned out for his star-sprinkled team.

Big things are expected from the in-form ‘Oranje’, currently ranked four in the world behind Brazil, Spain and Portugal, although star striker Arjen Robben’s thigh injury has clouded their preparations.

“A lot of people will probably think that we will make it to the next round without too much trouble. However, our opponents shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Van Marwijk, who replaced Marco van Basten after Euro 2008.

The Dutch are making their ninth World Cup appearance, but too often their attractive style has failed to translate into success – runner-up spots during their heyday in 1974 and 1978 are all they have to show for their efforts.

But with players like Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Mark van Bommel and Robin van Persie at his disposal, the pressure is on to finally lift the trophy.

The Dutch can be vulnerable at the back and must be careful of Denmark, who surprised many observers by finishing ahead of Portugal in qualifying, and Japan, a tenacious side who have reached the round of 16 before.

If Holland top the group, their opponent in the next round will be the second-placed team in Group H, which Italy are favourites to win, while Slovakia, Paraguay and New Zealand will battle for second.

Arsenal’s inconsistent but sometimes deadly Nicklas Bendtner is Denmark’s star man, while players such as Jon Dahl Tomasson, Dennis Rommedahl and Michael Silberbauer are well-respected.

Bendtner believes the Danes can make am impression.

“It’s important that we stay realistic. Of course we’re going there to win the tournament, but having said that, we don’t have the same means as other big countries,” he said.

“However, we’ll do our very best. Denmark have produced plenty of upsets in football history, so why not again?”

No African team boasts more experience than Paul Le Guen’s Cameroon, whose appearance in South Africa will be a record sixth at a World Cup for an African nation.

Cameroon can be physically intimidating and will be buoyed by ‘home’ support. They also boast three-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o, who rivals Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba as the best striker from the continent.

Japan are three-time Asian champions and carry high hopes into the tournament with former Celtic man Shunsuke Nakamura their talisman.

Despite being mocked for being unrealistic at home, Japan coach Takeshi Okada continues to insist his side can make the semi-finals.

“It will be the fourth World Cup finals for Japan and we are aiming for a top four spot. We don’t intend to change our goal and we continue to aim for a top four spot,” he has repeatedly said.

Favourites – Holland

Fancied – Cameroon, Denmark

Underdogs – Japan