NETHERLANDS vs JAPAN, Durban, 19/06/10
The next UFWC/World Cup match of the competition sees the Netherlands face a team that they’ve already beaten to defend their title: Japan.
The Dutch proved why they are the UFWC champions by beating Denmark in their previous match, defending the title without their talismanic star Arjen Robben, who was relegated to the bench due to injury. However there are hopes that Robben will be available again for this match, which would be a massive boost to the Oranje, as they aim to extend their incredible streak, defend their title, and book a place in the next round of the World Cup.
However it isn’t just the champions that have something to prove; Japan want to make a name for themselves as well. After winning their opening group match against Cameroon, ending their
4-match losing streak in all international matches, their next target will be on ending their 4-match losing streak in the UFWC. They have never won the UFWC, losing on all four of their attempts to Argentina, France, Spain, and most recently to their opponents in this match, having lost 3-0 on their previous attempt. Like the Netherlands, a win will secure the UFWC title and all but guarantee passage to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
The Netherlands are 1/25 to retain the title, while Japan are a massive 10/1 to win it for the first time.
Should the Netherlands defend the title, they will face Cameroon in the next match hoping to do a clean sweep of their Group E opposition. A Japan win will see Denmark get another shot at the title, with Cameroon missing out entirely.
Stay tuned to see how the UFWC champions will do, and see whether the title will make it to the next round, or whether it will make an early group stage exit.
