CAMEROON 1-2 NETHERLANDS, Cape Town, 24/06/10
Eto’o 65 (pen); Van Persie 36, Huntelaar 83

The Netherlands survived a major scare from Cameroon to finish top of Group E with full points, defend the UFWC title, and set up a Last 16 clash with Slovakia.

The first half was one of few talking points, where both sides seemed happy to let the others come at them and wait until the attack broke down. It was Robin Van Persie who had the first genuine chance in the 19th minute, but his strike was poorly hit as it was directed straight at goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou.

Cameroon’s Geremi seemed determined to set up a goal, as he expertly sent in several good crosses from the wing, but the Dutch defence were equal to each one. But it was the Netherlands who seemed most likely to score first, with Dirk Kuyt firing just wide in the 32nd minute. Kuyt did, however, help set up the first goal. A pass to Van Persie followed by a one-two with Rafael Van Der Vaart left Van Persie one-on-one with Hamidou, as he slotted the ball through his legs to send the Netherlands 1-0 up into the break, despite a goalmouth scramble at the other end of the pitch where Cameroon couldn’t get the ball going the right direction.

The opening stages of the second half had more in common with an exhibition match than a World Cup match, as both sides made changes to rest players and give others a game. But Samuel Eto’o didn’t seem to get the message, as he made it his mission to make sure his team left the World Cup with something, as he burst through the defence only to scuff his shot, and almost pouncing on a lazy backpass. And in the 64th minute he had a chance to get his goal. When Van Der Vaart handled the ball in the box from a free kick the referee awarded a penalty, which Eto’o stroked past Maartan Stekelenburg.

The Netherlands truly were up against the ropes at this stage, but managed to survive without any more damage, and Cameroon’s chance of overturning the result began to fade away.

The result was sealed in the 83rd minute, thanks in part to a returning Arjen Robben. After receiving the through-ball, he turned inside and curled a shot around the goalkeeper but it only hit the post. However Klass-Jan Huntelaar was on-hand to slot the ball into an empty net and confirm another Dutch win.

They will now face Group F runners-up Slovakia in the next round of the World Cup, which will be previewed shortly.

Match Reports Cameroon, Netherlands

CAMEROON vs NETHERLANDS, Cape Town, 24/06/10

Today’s set of results in Group E at the World Cup means that the Netherlands are guaranteed a place in the Last 16, and that Cameroon will be eliminated from the competition regardless of the result in their final game. For UFWC fans, this means that the final match in Group E will decide whether or not the UFWC title will be taken into the knockout stages or not.

The Netherlands seem unstoppable in their reign as UFWC champions, having held the title for an incredible 19 months and defended the title 17 times, three short of the record of 20 defences held by Scotland. Not only is their UFWC record to be praised, they have won both of their World Cup matches having conceded no goals in the process. Although there is reason to think that coach Bert Van Marwijk may rest players in preparation for the Knockout Stages it is unlikely that the team will be too decreased, as top youngster Eljero Elia may get an extended appearance, and the coach may want Arjen Robben to get some match time having missed the two previous World Cup matches through injury.

Cameroon will be wishing to have the Netherlands’ problems. The Indomitable Lions have failed to live up to their nickname of late, having lost their last 4 matches, and having failed to win any of their last 9. Their UFWC record is respectable, however. Although they have never won the title, in their two previous title matches they held then-champions Peru and France to a draw each. However, two consecutive defeats at the World Cup means that their fate is already sealed, so the question is which attitude will they take into the match? Will they decide enough is enough and fold at the first sign of a Dutch attack, or will they fight to give their fans something to cheer? That is for the players to decide.

The Netherlands are 1/6 to retain the title, while Cameroon are 7/2 to win it for the first time.

If the Netherlands defend the title they will finish top of Group E, setting up a Second Round match with the runners-up of Group F on June 28th. If Cameroon become UFWC champion their next match is scheduled to be against Mauritius in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Match Previews Cameroon, Netherlands