VIDEO: Dempo's Aniston Fernandes confident after Denmark stint

Aniston Fernandes is preparing with his Dempo Junior team mates for the Under-20 I-League starting next week in Jamshedpur. After his training stint last year with Danish side FC Midtjylland's Academy along with Myron Fernandes, Aniston is feeling confident that he is able to perform to the desired levels.

Three Shillong Lajong FC players to train in Denmark

In a first of its kind three players from I-League side Shillong Lajong FC - Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Lalramluaha and Lalthuammawia Ralte - are heading for Europe to get specialised training at Danish first division (second tier of Danish football) club FC Vestsjælland, which is a partner club of Lajong through their common co-owners Anglian Holdings.

At the time of announcing that they are buying a stake at Shillong Lajong, the Dubai-based Anglian Holdings had said that they would enable players from Lajong FC to train in Denmark to gain international exposure and the annoucement was made yesterday, the same day as FCV's signing of PIO Netan Sansara ( PIO Netan Sansara signs for Danish club FC Vestsjælland ).

The three talented footballer leave leave Shillong today and will be in Denmark for a couple of weeks until July 29. They will have access to quality training facilities and will be looking to make full use of this international exposure. The trip will also serve as an exercise to gauge the standards of the I-League players, as the three boys seek to gain valuable international experience from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Over the last couple of years Shillong Lajong FC has send an astounding 23 of its junior players to Europe through football development projects and tournaments held by Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan; but sending three professional footballers to Denmark for a two week specialised training camp is also something new for the club.

Lajong General Secretary Larsing Ming Sawyan said, "the trip will serve as a platform to provide SLFC and its players an insight into European club football and learn from the experience. We hope to conduct many such exposure trips in the future which shall include promising players,junior coaching staff,as well as managers and executives of SLFC."

An excited local Shillong boy Eugeneson Lyngdoh said, "I am very excited about going to Denmark and getting the experience to play with international players. It will be a new experience and I am eagerly looking forward to it. We have heard so much about European players and to actually get to play alongside them will take my playing to a new level. It will also equipped me with better skills and knowledge to grow as a footballer."

Former Tata Football Academy cadet Lalramluaha added, "I am quite excited and happy about the trip as I will get to learn new things in good training facilities."

Denmark's Bendtner fined, suspended for goal celebration

European football governing body UEFA yesterday handed Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner a one match suspension and a fine of 100,000 Euros for flashing the sponsored waistband of his underpants while celebrating a goal against Portugal during Euro2012.

European football's governing body said that its Control and Disciplinary Body had decided to imposed the fine and suspend the AFC Sunderland player for "one competitive fixture" after the celebration during last Wednesday's match against Portugal in Lyiv following disciplinary proceedings against the player for "improper conduct (Law 4 of the Laws of the Game)".

Law 4, which covers "The players' equipment" states: "Players must not reveal undershirts which contain slogans or advertising. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans will be sanctioned by the competition organiser."

Article 18.18 of the "Regulations of the UEFA European Football Championship 2010-12" also states: "All kit items worn during the final tournament must be free of any sponsor advertising."

The waistband of Bendtner's green and white underwear had the name of a Dublin-based online betting firm. The company, Paddy Power, said on its website that they were "lucky pants".

"This suspension applies to the next 2014 FIFA World Cup match, including the qualifying competition, for which Bendtner is eligible," a statement said on the UEFA website.

rs1.tv VIDEO: Euro2012 Public Viewing in Germany

Yesterday Germany played Denmark in their third Euro2012 Group B match. As has become tradition in Germany people watch matches together in public viewing in big arena's, on the streets and in public areas where giant screens are installed.

Here a report by me for rs1.tv from the festivities in Remscheid during and after the Denmark vs Germany match.

Euro2012: Germany group winners, Netherlands home pointless

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group B teams tonight with their third and final round group matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharviv and Lviv. The Group of Death lived-up to its billing as Germany moved into the quarterfinals with a 100% record, a 2-1 win against Denmark; while their archrivals the Netherlands went home without a point following their 1-2 loss against Portugal, who made it through besides the Germans.


GROUP B

Portugal 2-1 (1-1) Netherlands
Goals: 0-1 Rafael van der Vaart (11'), 1-1,2-1 Cristiano Ronaldo (28',74')

Portugal needed a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo to overcome the Netherlands 2-1 to qualify for the quarterfinals as a disappointing pre-tournament title candidate the Oranje ended their campaign without a point.

The Netherlands looked better early on and struck in the 11th minute through a brilliant Rafael van der Vaart strike, but Cristiano Ronaldo finally found his form though he first missed two chances before scoring in the 28th minute past Maarten Stekelenburg.

After the break both sides had their chances, but Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Portugal's passage into the quarterfinals as the Dutch continued to miss chances galore. It ended 2-1 for Portugal, who now face the Czech Republic in an interesting quarterfinal.


Denmark 1-2 (1-1) Germany
Goals: 0-1 Lukas Podolski (19'), 1-1 Michael Krohn-Dehli (24'), 1-2 Lars Bender (80')

Germany won 2-1 against Denmark to score their third win in as many games to move into the quarterfinals, while Denmark after the loss have to go home. Lukas Podolski gave the Germans the lead, only for Michael Krohn-Dehli to equalise before Lars Bender scored a late winner for the Germans.

Germany looked the better side early on, but Thomas Müller missed two easy chances very early on and it seemed a matter of time before Germany would go into the lead. It happened in the 19th minute when following a throw-in Thomas Müller played the ball across the face of the goal for Mario Gomez to deflect for Lukas Podolski to bury the ball in the net. A special occasion for Podolski then it was his 100th international cap tonight. But Germany's lead only last five minutes as Denmark surprisingly equalised through Michael Krohn-Dehli following a corner. Germany continued to have more of the game against defensive Danes, but they lost their flair the longer the match lasted.

Initially Germany was able to pick the holes in the Danish defence, but especially captain Agger and Kjaer did an excellent job. But the Danish knew with Portugal leading with quarter of an hour to go that they needed to beat Germany to progress, but when they started to venture upfront the Germans scored off a counter-attack as Mesut Özil looked for substitute Miroslav Klose, but found an overlapping Lars Bender, who made no mistake to score his first goal for Germany.

Germany won 2-1 to maintain their 100% record at Euro2012 and now they face Greece in the quarterfinals.

Euro2012: Portugal win, Gomez Germany hero

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group B teams tonight with their second round group matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharviv and Lviv. Portugal returned to winning ways with a late winner, while Germany got the better of archrivals the Netherlands.


GROUP B

Denmark 2-3 (1-2) Portugal
Goals: 0-1 Pepe (24'), 0-2 Hélder Postiga (36'), 1-2,2-2 Nicklas Bendtner (40',81'), 2-3 Silvestre Varela (87')

Portugal needed a late striker from substitute Silvestre Varela to beat Denmark 3-2 in a close encounter. Portugal had gone ahead 2-0 through goals from Pepe and Hélder Postiga by the 36th minute, but two goals from Nicklas Bendtner on either side of the break brought things level before Silvestre Varela won the three points for Portugal.

Denmark had the better start, but a Pepe header following a Joao Moutinho header gave Portugal the lead in the 24th minute which striker Hélder Postiga doubled in the 36h minute, but Denmark got a lifeline four minutes before half-time as Nicklas Bendtner reduced the deficit.

After the break Portugal could have increased their lead again, but Cristiano Ronaldo was the biggest culprit in missing some very good chances before Bendtner equalised in the 81st minute. The match seemed headed for a draw, but Silvestre Varela's brilliant strike gave the Portuguese the much needed three points to stay in contention for a quarterfinal spot.


Netherlands 1-2 (0-2) Germany
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Mario Gomez (24',38'), 1-2 Robin van Persie (73')

Germany won 2-1 against their neighbours the Netherlands to register their second win of the tournament and look headed for the quarterfinals, while the Dutch stare at elimination after two losses. Mario Gomez once more was the hero for Germany as he scored both the first half goals, while Robin van Persie pulled one back for the Dutch in the second session and it resulted in some nerv-wrecking moments for the Germans until the end.

It was an open and intense game in the first session until midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger played a brilliant through ball for Mario Gomez, who made a pirouette before scoring past Maarten Stekelenberg to give Germany the lead in the 24th minute. Again a pass from Schweinsteiger in the 38th minute set-up Mario Gomez's second goal of the night, which put the Dutch into deep depression against their more famed neighbours.

In the second session Germany initially stayed in control and could have added a third from their counter-attacks as the Dutch intensified their attacking intent with van der Vaart and Huntelaar coming in and leaving their defence vulnerable but Germany could not use their chances. Striker Robin van Persie did reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute, but that was all that the Dutch could do on this night though they did put some pressure on the Germans towards the end who cleverly played out the remainder of the match.

Euro2012: Denmark shock the Dutch, Germany win

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off for the Group B teams tonight with matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Lviv. This group was billed as the Group of Death and after the Danes upset the Netherlands and Germany won against Portugal it could now become really interesting.


GROUP B

Netherlands 0-1 (0-1) Denmark
Goals: Michael Krohn-Dehli (24')

Title contenders the Netherlands made the worst possible start as they lost 0-1 against Denmark which leaves them with an uphill task of making it at all into the knockout stages. The Dutch were allover the Danes, but what was missing on this day simply the goal or often the final touch, while Denmark scored of one of their few chances.

The Netherlands started off as expected with Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben leading the assault, but often the Danish defence could sustain the pressure and the Dutch seemed to have forgotten their scoring boots. Out of nowhere Denmark took a 24th minute lead through a Michael Krohn-Dehli strike. The Netherlands continued to attack with Robben hitting the woodwork and others wasting further chances.

It was simply not to be for the Netherlands and Euro2012 had its first surprise and major upset.


Germany 1-0 (0-0) Portugal
Goals: Mario Gomez (72')

Germany came out victorious through a second half Mario Gomez header from a very tactical game between the two sides. If one had hoped for another highlight like at Euro2008 and 2006 FIFA World Cup between these two sides, one would be disappointed.

German coach Joachim Löw did cause some surprises as Mats Hummels started in the heart of defence ahead of the more experienced Per Mertesacker, while Mario Gomez started upfront ahead of birthday boy Miroslav Klose.

Germany throughout had more of the ball but their combination wasn't as good as they can play with especially the midfield not having their best day with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Özil both having problems, while Sami Kherida and Lokus Podolski showing fighting spirit and Thomas Müller getting better as the match progressed. The German defence stood their ground with Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber mostly blocking Cristiano Ronaldo and co, but captain Philipp Lahm having unusual problems with Nani and Manuel Neuer showing his class in the few instances he was needed, while Mario Gomez turned out to the unlikely match winner.

Mario Gomez early on made a heading attempt which was to be the best German chance in the first session as often the finishing was lacking. Portugal were more content taking care of their defensive duties and hoping for a moment of brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo. It did come on the stroke of half-time when Ronaldo's corner reached an unmarked Pepe but his placed shot hit the woodwork, dropped onto the line and out into play.

Germany made a better start into the second session as Fabio Coentrão and Raul Meireles ensured that it stayed goalless within the first minute, but thereafter again the match was more tactical with accuracy a problem on both sides. Mario Gomez then scored the winner in the 72nd minute of a deflected Sami Khedira cross with his header beating the outstretched hands of Rui Patrício. Portugal did put some pressure on the Germans in the end, but their defence and Neuer threw themselves at everything that came their way with Nani's cross falling onto the crossbar.

In the end Germany looked deserving winners from a close contest, which opens-up their path into the quarterfinals.

Lajong FC: Anglian Holding new investor, partnership with Danish club

In a first for Indian football NRI-owned Anglian Holding from Dubai, who are a multi-national company with diversified interests, has bought into I-League side Shillong Lajong FC with upto 25% of the clubs shares going to exchange ownership.

This was announced yesterday at a press conference in Kolkata which was attended by Dhruv Ratra, Anglian Holding - Sports & Marketing CEO; Larsing Ming Sawyan, SLFC General Secretary; and Kurt Andersen, FC Vestsjælland president.

Anglian Holding has been looking at options to invest and get involved with Indian football for some time. Now comes the investment in Shillong Lajong FC, who both hope to take the club forward.

But for Anglian Holding this isn't their first investment in football. A while ago they became 25% stakeholders in Danish first Division (second tier of Danish football) FC Vestsjælland, who are also known as FCV Vikings and are a development club in Denmark.

Now with these two clubs in India and Denmark, Anglian Holding hope to create a talent, know-how and expertise exchange. In the future FCV could become an entry point into Europe for talented Indian youngsters, while FCV coaches work with children and their Indian counterparts.

Euro2012 Groups are out

The draw for the groups for the 2012 European Championships jointly to be co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine in June 2012 was carried out on Friday night in the Polish capital Warsaw. The 16 participating teams have been split into four groups of four teams each with the top two sides making it to the quarterfinals.

The toughest of the groups, this tournaments 'Group of Death', is certainly Group B which contains 1988 winners Netherlands, three-times former champions Germany, 1992 surprise champions Denmark and formidable Portugal led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Another group to look forward to is Group D in which co-hosts Ukraine will meet a strong Sweden, a rebuilding France and England, who are under pressure from their own fans to deliver a title at this tournament.

Defending champions Spain have a relatively weaker group, but will need to watch out when they face Italy, Ireland and Croatia. One of the most interesting encounters could be when Italy take on Ireland, who are coached by seasoned Italian Giovanni Trappatoni.

The most balanced, but also the weakest of all groups looks to be Group A in which co-hosts Poland take on 2004 champions Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic. Anyone of those four teams could advance to the knockout stage and cause an upset.


EURO2012 - GROUPS

Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal

Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia

Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

Dempo Group buys stake in Danish club FC Midtjylland

In April 2011 Goan giants Dempo SC entered into a partnership with Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland to develop its young elite players, but also work on the overall development of the club. Now that tie-up is set to become much more with the Dempo Group buying a 34 percent stake in the Danish club to strengthen their ties in the interest of Dempo SC and Indian football.



A release from FC Midtjylland said, "Leading Goa-based Indian industrial group, Dempo, with interests in soccer promotion has effected a Share Subscription Agreement with prominent professional Danish soccer club and academy, FC Midtjylland, based in Herning and Ikast."



Dempo Group will make an investment of around 12 Million Euros (approximately Rs 80 crore) to take a 34 percent stake in the clubs parent company FC Midtjylland Holdings AS with an Indian presence on the board of the club.



"The investment marks the moment when intent turned into commitment. It's kick-off time for the Dempo foray into truly international football. Our agreement is aimed at raising the playing standard of Indian soccer, and this tie-up with a first-rate European academy and team shall spur the development of the game even faster," said Dempo Group chairman, Srinivas Dempo.



Soren Bach, CEO of FC Midtjylland, said: "It's a historic day for FC Midtjylland and the start of a new era for the club. The agreement enables us to add value to the continuity of our soccer team and retain our own playing talent longer. We can enhance the level of talent development, and begin truly to internationalise the academy."



So far the technical partnership between the two sides has been very fruitful with the Dempo SC technical staff impressed by the infrastructure and technical expertise available at FC Midtjylland.



Now Dempo's will want to utilise all this knowledge and manpower to make their club Dempo SC a real professional outfit and enable talented, young Indian boys to get into Europe at a young age to develop as professional footballers, which hopefully will also help Indian football to develop further.

Best dribblers in world football

German weekly sports magazine Sport Bild came out this week with a list of the top 20 dribblers in world football. The list of players includes a number of players from across the decades, whose name some might not have heard, while being a German publication they could have been a little pro-German players too.

I totally agree with Maradona on top, but the question is if Messi has done enough to be number two in such a ranking???

Would you agree??? Or would your list include a different set of players.


Top 20 Dribblers

01. Diego Armando Maradona (Argentina)
02. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
03. Garrincha (Brazil)
04. Stan Matthews (England)
05. Ronaldinho (Brazil)

06. George Best (Northern Ireland)
07. Reinhard 'Stan' Libuda (Germany)
08. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany)
09. Ronaldo (Brazil)
10. Zinédine Zidane (France)

11. Brian Laudrup (Denmark)
12. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
13. Pierre Littbarski (Germany)
14. Ryan Giggs (Wales)
15. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

16. Allan Simonsen (Denmark)
17. Kevin Keegan (England)
18. Kaká (Brazil)
19. Mehmet Scholl (Germany)
20. Romário (Brazil)

Dempo tie-up with Denmark's FC Midtjylland

I-League champions Dempo SC have entered into a partnership with Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland to develop its young elite players, but also work on the overall development of the club. This isn't the first such partnership for an Indian club, the other partnerships have been or are with English clubs; East Bengal Club with Leicester City FC and JCT with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Under the partnership FC Midtjylland has given a commitment to help provide technical know-how, expertise in marketing and administration as well as a strong focus on youth development to raise the level of Dempo not only in India but to an Asia level. The deal has been worked out by agency New World Consulting with the two clubs.

FC Midtjylland is known to have a good youth development system in place. The best known player from the Academy is defender Simon Kjaer, who currently plays for VfL Wolfsburg in Germany. Also the club has development player partnerships with FC Midtjylland Maamobi United (Ghana) and FC Ebedei (Nigeria).

Dempo chairman Shrinivas Dempo expressed excitement over this new initiative by saying, "I am certain that this partnership will lead to a new era of cooperation that will eventually contribute to greater development of Indian football."

Dempo SC under the leadership of Dempo Group chairman Shrinivas Dempo and guidance of coach-cum-secretary Armando Colaco has been going from strength to strength over the last decade. Four National Football League/I-League titles are prove of that. The club is said to be working on plans to build an own stadium in or around Panaji to further its development.

Armando Colaco has been working on his squad over the years mostly bringing in two/three new players for specific positions with this year an exception as many players were away at the India camp for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. It shows as Dempo currently boast of having seven international players in their ranks.

Germany 'B' draw against Denmark

Germany played their first post-2010 World Cup match in Copenhagen against Denmark last night. And Germany were held to a two-all draw. But this team had little to do with the German team in the World Cup which had thrilled fans around the world with their display.

Like other coaches around the world Joachim Loew decided not to call-up many of his World Cup players, only eight of the 23 World Cuppers were in the squad and only defender Jerome Boateng was part of the first eleven in Copenhagen who had also been a regular first eleven player during the World Cup. This meant that midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who had been omitted from the World Cup squad, was given the captains armband in the absence of Ballack, Lahm and Schweinsteiger. And he led a German team which will never ever again play in this formation.

The recent experiences of friendlies hasn't been the best for Germany. The team often just does not play to their true potential, but last night in Copenhagen it was different. Though it is only days ahead of the new season and a newly put together team, the boys needed some time to gel together and then stated playing football against a Denmark which didn't utilise their chances early. Germany took the lead in the 19th minute through Mario Gomez from a brilliant Hitzlsperger through pass. And things looked better as the match went on, but still the defence committed unwanted mistakes which gave chances to Denmark, but the Danes weren't able to utilise their chances.

In the 73rd minute substitute Patrick Helmes doubled Germany's lead and everyone thought Germany had sealed their victory, but only a minute later Dennis Rommedahl, in his 100th international, reduced the deficit with a beautifully placed shot from a mistake by Serdar Tacsi. Thereafter an open match developed in the last quarter with chances on both sides, but Denmark did get the equaliser in the 87th minute through substitute Mads Junker who only had to push the ball into an empty net as goalie Tim Wiese tried to block the ball on the 16 metre line without touching it with his hands, but it failed.

Germany did play an overall good game and could have won the match convincingly, but inexperience and mistakes in defence didn't help their cause; still coach Loew will have gained some useful insights about some players who haven't played recently for the national team. And some like captain Hitzlsperger and Christian Gentner did impress with their game, and can look forward to a next call-up.

Group E: Netherlands win again, Japan move on

The Netherlands are through, but Japan and Denmark face each other to decide to joins the Oranje's in the knockout stages.

(matches to kick off simultaneously)

Denmark 1-3 (0-2) Japan
Goals: 0-1 Keisuke Honda (17'), 0-2 Yasuhito Endo (30'), 1-2 Jon Dahl Tomasson (81'), 1-3 Shinji Okazaki (87').

Japan scored a surprise 3-1 win against Denmark at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg to move on from Group E into the pre-quarterfinals.

Denmark had the better start into the game, but the Japanese took the lead in the 17th minute through a Keisuke Honda free kick as the Danish keeper Thomas Soerensen speculated and let the ball in. Again Denmark had the chance to equalise, but Japan doubled the lead through another free kick. This time Yasuhito Endo scored of the dead ball situation in the 30th minute. And Japan took a surprise 2-0 lead into the break.

After the break Endo could have scored Japan's third through another free kick, but Denmark got away and slowly build pressure on the Japanese defence which did withstand the pressure. But Denmark was only able to reduce the margin through Jon Dahl Tomasson's rebound of his own penalty, but Japan sealed the historic win the 87th minute through a goal from substitute Shinji Okazaki off a Honda pass.


Cameroon 1-2 (0-1) Netherlands
Goals: 0-1 Robin van Persie (36'), 1-1 Samuel Eto'o (65'), 1-2 Klaas Jan Huntelaar (84').

The Netherlands kept their 100% record intact with a 2-1 victory against Cameroon at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.

There was nothing really to play for as Netherlands had ensured their passage to the quarterfinals and Cameroon were out of the tournament. So an open and direct game evolved in the first 15 minutes, but thereafter the game lost its speed. The Dutch took the lead in the 36th minute when Rafael van der Vaart played the ball to Robin van Persie, whose shot tunnelled the Cameroon keeper Hamidou Youleymanou.

After the break the Netherlands had more of the ball, but they couldn't double their lead. Around the hour mark Cameroon seemed to get back into the game and in the 65th minute they got a penalty after van der Vaart handled a Geremi free kick. Samuel Eto'o scored it for the Lions. But the Netherlands would win the game with a goal in the 84th minute after an Arjen Robben shot hit the post and striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar was able to score of the rebound.

Group E: Dutch win once more; the Danes are back

In Group E the winners and losers face each other.

(to be updated after the second game)

Netherlands 1-0 (0-0) Japan
Goals: 1-0 Wesley Sneijder (53').

The Netherlands overcame Japan with a lone goal win at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to record their second win in their Group E to nearly ensure their progress from the group.

The Netherlands started fresh into their game with a free kick chance to Wesley Sneijder in the 9th minute and a Dirk Kuyt bicycle kick a minute later. But that was it for the Oranjes who thereafter found it hard to penetrate the Japanese defence. The Dutch had over 70% of ball possession, but still Japan did have their moments where they combined nicely and the trio upfront of Honda, Matsui and Okobu caused some problems for the Dutch defence though their finishing was weak.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk seemed to have found the right words at half time as the Oranjes were much more active at the beginning of the second half. The Dutch would take the lead in the 53rd minute when a Wesley Sneijder shot could not be cleared by Eiji Kawashima in the Japan goal, he actually allowed the ball to go in. The Dutch now pulled back and allowed the Asians to combine, but their finishing let them down as only one real chance really threatened the Dutch. Towards the end Japan opened their defence to get the elusive equaliser, which gave the Oranjes the chance to enhance their lead through counter attacks, but their finishing wasn't to the mark either.


Cameroon 1-1 (1-2) Denmark
Goals: 1-0 Samuel Eto'o (10'), 1-1 Nicklas Bendtner (33'), 1-2 Dennis Rommedahl (61').

Denmark beat Cameroon 2-1 in a thrilling game at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria which could have ended with four, five goals on both sides. With the win Denmark kept their chances to move on alive, while Cameroon are out of the tournament.

Cameroon's coach Paul le Guen made some changes to his starting eleven after criticism of using too many young players in the first game. The French coach brought on some of the more experienced players and it seemed to work for the Lions as they put pressure on Denmark initially who seemed to be not on the pitch. And then Christian Poulsen played a square pass to Cameroon's Webo under no pressure and he finds his captain Samuel Eto'o and the Inter Milan striker makes no mistake to put Cameroon ahead in the 11th minute. Cameroon push for a second goal, but the longer the match lasts the more Denmark fight their way back into the game. And in the 33rd minute Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner finishes a great Danish move. It starts with a 50 metre long diagonal cross from Simon Kaejr which Dennis Rommedahl takes forward and he plays a square pass into the middle which Bendtner pushes in. Thereafter it is an open game with chances on both sides. First Tomasson for Denmark, then Eto'o and Emana for Cameroon could have given their sides a 2-1 half time lead.

Cameroon again have the better start into the half but Denmark was more alert now though both sides still committed too many defensive mistakes enabling the other side to have chances. In the 61st minute first Cameroon miss a golden opportunity, while Denmark score of the counter attack. A strong Dennis Rommedahl beats Makoun and places the ball into the Cameroon net past Souleymanou. Thereafter the open game continued as Cameroon were on the lookout for the equaliser to stay in the tournament, while Denmark had chances to seal the game. But chances on both sides were wasted as the game ended 2-1 for Denmark, who now have a final against Japan as the Danes would have to win to move on.

Group E: Oranje win, Japan upset Cameroon

Group E started with Netherlands taking on Denmark.

(to be updated after the second game)

Netherlands 2-0 (0-0) Denmark
Goals: 1-0 Simon Poulsen (46', own Goal), 2-0 Dirk Kuyt (85').

The Netherlands made a successful start into the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory against Denmark at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. But it initially wasn't as easy as the final result might say.

The Danish made a defensive start against the Dutch who took control of the game. But chances were few and far with the Dutch often combining well up to the 16 metres mark, but thereafter the Danish stopped their movements goalwards. And the Danish actually had the better chances in the first session, but it remained goalless up to the break.

The Netherlands took the lead just after the break in the 46th minute when a Robin van Persie cross from the left was headed by Simon Poulsen onto the back of Daniel Agger and suddenly the ball was in the Danish goal. The match opened up a little, but the Danish didn't really threaten the Dutch goal after the break. It was rather the Oranjes who were closer to their second goal. A Wesley Sneijder shot landed on the crossbar in the 82nd minute. Only three minutes later Eljero Elia should have scored the second goal after he beat the Danish keeper Thomas Soerensen, but his shot hit the post, still Dirk Kuyt was there to score of the rebound to ensure the win for the Elftal.


Japan 1-0 (1-0) Cameroon
Goals: 1-0 Keisuke Honda (39').

Japan overcame Cameroon 1-0 in a weak game at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Japan vs Cameroon was a tough affair to watch. Both sides came into the tournament on not so good friendly performances and both the coaches made some changes hoping to strengthening their respective teams. But it somewhat didn't make any difference as both teams lacked pace and imagination in their game with loads of midfield action and tons of miss passes.

Cameroon looked as if they didn't know what they were doing, while Japan did what was possible for them which wasn't much either. But Japan took the lead in the 39th minute when midfielder-turned-striker Keisuke Honda was suddenly free inside the box left free by the Cameroon defence after a cross from the right and the man who plays for CSKA Moscow scored the opening goal of the match. Japan went into the break with a one goal lead.

One hoped for a better game in the second session, but it remained as bad. Cameroon had a good chance in the 48th minute when Samuel Eto'o took on three Japanese defenders on the right, gets the pass into the middle but Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's shot goes wide. But thereafter it again was mainly midfield action with Cameroon having more of the action with Japan happy to defend their 1-0 lead. Cameroon's best chance came in the 85th minute when Stephane Mbia's shot hit the goalpost with no chance to the Japanese keeper Kawashima. In the end Japan scored their first ever opening World Cup win.