World Cup Day 9

Netherlands 1-0 Japan

Both sides were much as they were in their first games, the Dutch plodding and the Japanese organised and defensive. It was all change in the second half though as Holland came out with more determination and within 8mins of the restart were ahead form Sneijder's long range effort (and some questionable goalkeeping).

The Japanese response was immensely positive and saw them committing men forward and troubling the Dutch defence. The Dutch finished the stronger with the introduction of the young Affellay and Elia but it was Japan who came closest in the dying minutes when Okazaki blazed over from close range.


Ghana 1-1 Australia


Cameroon 1-2 Denmark

A game full of attacking intent and fallible defensive which made for an exciting spectacle. Camroon made the early running and capitalised on a terrible pass in the Danish defence to allow Eto'O to slot home. The Danes responded well, trying to get their experience wingers into the match at every opportunity.

It was a run from Rommdahl in behind the Cameroon defence that set up a tap in for Bendtner on 33mins. The African side did plenty of attacking themselves and exposed more dodgy defending just before the break but the resulting shot ws just wide.

The second half was only slighlty less open and on the hour Rommedahl got in again, this time finishing himself. The final half-hour was end to end as Cameroon brought on strikers and chased the game. It was to no avail.

Probably the most entertaining game of the Word Cup so far.