RealGM

Schedule

14/06 06:30 Johannesburg - JSC Netherlands vs Denmark
14/06 09:00 Mangaung / Bloemfontein Japan vs Cameroon
19/06 06:30 Durban Netherlands vs Japan
19/06 13:30 Tshwane/Pretoria Cameroon vs Denmark
24/06 13:30 Rustenburg Denmark vs Japan
24/06 13:30 Cape Town Cameroon vs Netherlands

**All times CST.

Netherlands is gonna win the right to get whomped by Brazil before the final four after they finish first in the group stage.

^Pretty much, Netherlands go off to a fantastic start then crumble come knockout stages. This has been their formula for years now.

Looks like Robben's injured yet again.
Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnC7OmM4E-Y&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Damn, that sucks. Hope it's nothing serious.

He's not traveling with the team to South Africa but there is still hope.

^The fact that he didn't travel with the squad probably indicates he's out of it.

Robben is not traveling with the team because he will undergoo some more testing with Dutch Doctors. Dutch coach can make changes to the World Cup Roster upto 24 hours before their 1st game (June 14th)... my guess that they will leave Robben on the active roster... and not play him in the round robin, and hope that he can be ready for a potential matchup with Brazil in the quarters in early July.

^I hope that's the case, he's a terrific player it'd be a shame if he misses the WC along with the Dutch squad. But all the WC players are dropping like flies, I hope it doesn't happen to him but let's see.

What a blow to Holland if Robben can't compete. I hope he's back in time, but it's not looking good.

Holland should win the group with or without Robben. At worst, finish second and still advance.

The more interesting story to me is to see who else advances from this group. I was going to pick Cameroon to make a little run in the tournament, but all of this stuff about Eto'o threatening to quit the team has me a little gunshy. I mean, I doubt he will quit, but it can't be good for team chemistry and all that to even have that possibility out there.

Japan and Denmark are no world-beaters, but they aren't pushovers either. So, what do you guys make of the other teams in this group?

I think it's Denmark. This is the best Denmark team for a long time and I have high hopes for them not only that they have an experienced manager who knows his X's and O's and is a terrific motivator. Their defence is organised and can get forward and support the attach whenever possible, their midfield is full of quality experience and youth and upfront although Bendtner is a crap player for Arsenal, he always seems to pick it up for Denmark.

The fact that Robben was injury free for the entire season was a great thing for Munich.

Heck I wish Holland wil go thru at the 2nd seed in this Group, that way we avoid Brazil (till a potential finals matchup). As E2 we would face perhaps Italy in Round of 16, Spain in Quarters, Germany in Semi, Brazil in Finals ..... much rather that road then Brazil in Quarters if they go thru as 1st in the Group

You'd rather avoid Brazil that much? I think Spain in quarters is just as bad as Brazil in quarters, with probably an easier round of 16 opponent...

treiz wrote:I think it's Denmark. This is the best Denmark team for a long time and I have high hopes for them not only that they have an experienced manager who knows his X's and O's and is a terrific motivator. Their defence is organised and can get forward and support the attach whenever possible, their midfield is full of quality experience and youth and upfront although Bendtner is a crap player for Arsenal, he always seems to pick it up for Denmark.

Bendner isn't crap. He is a bit clumsy and really frustrating sometimes, but he always works hard and makes himself useful one way or the other.

magik9113 wrote:You'd rather avoid Brazil that much? I think Spain in quarters is just as bad as Brazil in quarters, with probably an easier round of 16 opponent...

I'd easily rather face Spain than Brazil. Brazil in my mind are far and away the top favorites, meanwhile I see Spain disappointing quite a bit and would be absolutely shocked to see them win it all.

I doubt Spain wins it all, but in the early stages they could be the best team in the tournament. I expect them to crumble in the final four.

kromoszoma wrote:

treiz wrote:I think it's Denmark. This is the best Denmark team for a long time and I have high hopes for them not only that they have an experienced manager who knows his X's and O's and is a terrific motivator. Their defence is organised and can get forward and support the attach whenever possible, their midfield is full of quality experience and youth and upfront although Bendtner is a crap player for Arsenal, he always seems to pick it up for Denmark.

Bendner isn't crap. He is a bit clumsy and really frustrating sometimes, but he always works hard and makes himself useful one way or the other.

I know he's crap, but for some reason he always performs at international level, 11 goals in 32 caps is actually not bad, especially for him.