World Cup 2010 - Match day 4

Netherlands v Denmark Kick-off 12:30

Japan v Cameroon Kick-off 15:00

Italy v Paraguay Kick-off 19:30

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On paper Paraguay are the underdogs, but considering Italy's recent problems, they might have a decent chance to cause an upset. Netherlands have to be the favorites for their match, but I hope Denmark can make a game out of it. Japan vs Cameroon is more tricky. Japanese team probably has more pace, but Cameroon is a more physical side. I think a lot will depend on whether or not Eto'o will get good service from the midfield.

Cant wait to see how the Dutch perform, they'll always be my 2nd team after my own country.

e2a: If they win the WC i may have to find another '2nd fav' team.

Edited June 14, 201015 yr by coco

Italy v Paraguay Kick-off 19:30

I can't wait to see this game. I actually think Paraguay pulls off an upset.

Cant wait to watch Samuel Etoooooooooooooooooooooooo =), gonna explode...hat trick looming

It's a shame Poulsen's header was deflected into the goal. He was one of the stand out players in the first half.

---edit---

Poor ball control from van Persie. Really should've done better there.

Edited June 14, 201015 yr by Maksimov

Denmark always have a decent team, remembering the country is smaller than either Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

Jesper joins the match!

Have not enjoyed WC so far, still early stages but the matches just arent exciting, slow paced most of the time, can't wait till Spain and Brazil get going.. + those damn trumpets going on non-stop.

Well the Dutch game was a crushing bore and the Japan v. Cameroon match is even worse. Not holding out much hope for Italy v. Paraguay later. It's so bad I'm doing some work.

Denmark always have a decent team,

true

remembering the country is smaller than either Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

not true

Denmark 5,540,241

Ireland 4,459,300

Scotland 5,194,000

Wales 3,004,600

Well the Dutch game was a crushing bore and the Japan v. Cameroon match is even worse. Not holding out much hope for Italy v. Paraguay later. It's so bad I'm doing some work.

Hah, I am just like you! Terrible games so far, and I was hoping to watch a lot of them, but they are so bad, I just cannot do it. Maybe Italy will surprise me and play an attacking style of football later on today. I sure hope so.

Edited June 14, 201015 yr by Phillip

Denmark 5,540,241

Ireland 4,459,300

Scotland 5,194,000

Wales 3,004,600

Ok I was thinking more country size regarding land mass, but all 4 countries are of a similar size/population, but Denmark still out perform those other smaller countries.

10 minutes into the Italy game and De Rossi puts himself forward for dive of the competition.

Italy one down at half time after some really poor defending to allow Paraguay to score a header. The Italians look toothless up front although the first half of the first half they looked quick and comfortable in possession - fallen apart a little since the opener.

Italy one down at half time after some really poor defending to allow Paraguay to score a header. The Italians look toothless up front although the first half of the first half they looked quick and comfortable in possession - fallen apart a little since the opener.

You bloody jinxed it you sod... It was hilarious when they went a goal down though, it was almost like a switch had been turned on and all the diving, moaning, pretend card waving began.

Edited June 14, 201015 yr by dkw

Switch to 4-4-2 made a big difference. Zambrotta and Iaquinta looking much better now

Switch to 4-4-2 made a big difference. Zambrotta and Iaquinta looking much better now

That wasnt it, it was you saying they were sh*t that made the difference. Jinxing git.

De Rossi scored for Italy. Interesting...

Paraguay were absolutely hopeless, never got players forward when they had the ball, cant pass , no tactics , created f**k all against a very average opposition and looked uninterested. Complete rubbish , cant believe i sat through 90 miniutes of this. Italy just dont have any quality players , very very average, boring as usual & i will enjoy their demise when it comes .

The game between Holland and Denmark was uneventful. However, the Dutch managed to get off to a positive start and pick up 3 points. Robben was out injured. Sneijder had a very quiet game. I was most impressed with Van der Vaart who stood out in midfield. When Robben gets back they will be a force to be reckoned with. I guess they are on their way to the quarter finals.

Why is this world cup so much worse than last year? Is it the ball? It seems like it is way too bouncy, a number of times I have seen a player anticipate receiving the ball with it ending up bouncing over their head. Its the same with crosses, the ball is going too far. The only team to have played well so far with the ball has been germany. Adding to the fact that Adidas is a german company.. I smell a conspiracy!

Edit: From Link

"Schaikvan said the Jabulani ball was supplied to all countries in February and had been used extensively in Germany's Bundesliga as well as by France and Argentina - who are sponsored by Adidas - and other leagues such as Austria, Switzerland, Portugal and United States."

Edited June 15, 201015 yr by ivorycoast

MY ADIDAS!!!!!

Italy is not the team it was 4 years ago. Cannavaro, Gattuso, Zambrotta and company are getting on in years. The team showed a lack of creativity emphasised by the absence of Pirlo and Totti. Paraguay put up a very good defence and Italy lacked fire up front. I thought a draw was a fair result.