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 chmapions will do, and see whether the title will make it to the next round, or whether it will make an early group stage exit.

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.

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.