NETHERLANDS 3-0 JAPAN, Enschede, 05/09/09
van Persie 69, Sneijder 74, Huntelaar 86

The Dutch successfully defended their UFWC title with this comfortable victory over Japan. Both sides have already qualified for World Cup 2010, so this friendly provided a preview of what might happen in South Africa.

It was Japan who had the best of the first half, with Shunsuke Nakamura, Keiji Tamada and Shinji Okazaki all wasting scoring chances. Robin van Persie missed twice for the Netherlands, who disappointed following a run of impressive performances.

But in the second half, the Dutch took control. On 69 minutes, van Persie slotted the first past Japan keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. Wesley Sneijder added a second from long range five minutes later. Then, with 4 minuted left, substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made it 3-0.

The Netherlands’ next match should be a lot tougher. The Dutch travel to Glasgow on Wednesday night for a World Cup qualifier against all-time UFWC champions Scotland. While the Dutch have already qualified, Scotland are desperate to clinch second place in their qualifying group.

The Netherlands could be without Wesley Sneijder, who picked up an ankle injury. Scotland will need to wait on the fitness of Scott Brown, and will be without the suspended James McFadden, who scored a fantastic solo goal in Scotland’s 2-0 win over Macedonia today.

Check back on Monday for all the build-up to another huge UFWC title clash.

Match Reports japan, Netherlands

NETHERLANDS vs JAPAN, Enschede, 05/09/09

Can Japan take the UFWC title from current champions the Netherlands? On paper it looks like a very tough proposition for the Japanese.

The Dutch are fifth in the UFWC’s all-time rankings, and third in FIFA’s world rankings. They are unbeaten in seven UFWC title matches, and were the first European team to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

In contrast, Japan have no UFWC ranking, and are ranked 39th in the world by FIFA. But don’t write the Japanese off quite yet. Japan have also qualified for World Cup 2010, and in fact were the very first nation (other than host South Africa) to qualify.

Japan’s last ten games have resulted in six wins, two draws and two losses, the last a 2-1 defeat to Australia in June.

“Blue Samurai” coach Takeshi Okada will be without goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, who has a broken finger. Vissel Kobe striker Yoshito Okubo is out with lower back pain, and will be replaced by Jubilo Iwata’s Ryoichi Maeda.

Netherlands boss Bert van Marwijk is without the injured Mark van Bommel and Dirk Marcellis, but gives a first call-up to Celtic defender Glenn Loovens. Ryan Babel has been left out of the Dutch squad, replaced by Hamburg’s Eljero Elia.

If the Dutch retain the UFWC title in this game, then the stage is set for another clash against all-time UFWC champions Scotland 4 days later on 9 September. If Japan manage to win the title, then the next UFWC match will be Japan versus Ghana, also on 9 September.

Match Previews japan, Netherlands