sniper Sneijder

Netherlands 1-0 Japan

the second round of matches for Group E saw the Netherlands defeat Japan by a single goal. the goal was scored by Inter Milan hitman Wesley Sneijder. it was also partly a mistake by Japan goalie Eiji Kawashima. Japan defended well, but ultimately succumbed to the solitary goal. OVERALL - the Netherlands need to be more fluent in attacking. credit to Japan for matching their much stronger rivals for most periods of the match.


Cameroon 1-2 Denmark
in the other Group E encounter, Cameroon were defeated 2-1 by Denmark. Denmark hit back from a goal down to beat Cameroon 2-1 and give themselves a great chance of reaching the last 16. Things looked bleak for the Danes when Samuel Eto'o fired Cameroon into an early lead after a mistake by Christian Poulsen, but Nicklas Bendtner turned home Dennis Rommedahl's low cross to level matters before half-time.
And the impressive Rommedahl curled home a fine second to take the Danes level on points with Japan - who they face in their final, winner-takes-all Group E clash. OVERALL - a major boost for Denmark, who finally got a win after the first game defeat. as for Cameroon, it is over for them.


Ghana 1-1 Australia

the second round of matches for Group D saw Ghana hold Australia to a 1-1 draw. the Aussies struck first blood by scoring in the 11th minute thanks to Brett Holman, who scored off a Mark Bresciano penalty. Australia held off attacks from Ghana, but in the 25th minute Harry Kewell was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area and was promptly sent off. it was a harsh red card, but there was no mistake from Asamoah Gyan's penalty. both teams had chances at either end to win the pulsating encounter, but none took their chances well. OVERALL - it is looking grim for Australia now. they have to win their last group match or face an early flight home.