The Netherlands and Denmark will go through to the next round. Cameroon will finish in 3rd spot, and Japan will pick up the wooden spoon, failing to score any goals in the tournament.
The result of this will be that Japan's unrealistic bubble of expectation will immediately burst, with Okada-san being made to carry the can (resigning in disgrace). Meanwhile, nothing will change in terms of the fundamental way in which sport is mismanaged in Japan, with the same old chaps down at the JFA still gripping the reins of power. The net result of this will be that Japan will again build up its hopes for the next World Cup, and again be let down by lackluster results. This trend will continue ad nauseum.
I'm actually not SO sure about Denmark passing the group stage. They got really worse than some championship ago and Camerun is just skilled enough to go on.
Also I beg to differ on the "japan , failing to score any goals in the tournament". They might just score a lot of own-goals !
On a final note, how comes the 32% of the voters just don't care about the FIFA? I mean...
30% not interested, huh? You're missing out. It'll be exciting. Anyway, there's no doubt the Netherlands will pick up 3 easy wins. The only hope Japan has is if they beat Cameroon and draw with Denmark. Highly unlikely, but ...
I'm surprised that 14% have picked Japan to win the group. Still, in the World Cup, anything can happen. Look at what South Korea did in 2002. They went through to the semifinals against all odds.
At this time around I have less hope in Denmark or the Netherlands. I have a stroong feeling Japan will suprise everyone. Cameroon too, These are the two teams to watchou for.
28% not into world cup football?? Omg this place must be swamped by americans or something, its the greatest sport tournament in the world for crying out loud!
Japan always do well, so I think Japan and obviously Holland are going to go through.
I don't think that Japan's training camp has helped much. I saw pictures yesterday that showed them playing a practice game in about 3 inches of water.
Their performance against England showed that they do have the potential to escape that group but they'll need to be at their best and have a dose of good fortune. But I can't see anyone other than the Dutch finishing top of the group.
Debucho,
It's the biggest single sporting event in the world, the most popular sport in the world. It's you who doesn't get it, the rest of the world does.
Im in Japan! Of course Japan will win!! Havent been watching or reading it though. The adds are enough to keep track :) Considering the history of soccer politically speaking, the not interested, reflects the usual?
As one of the 32% that isn't interested in the world cup... we're probably just not sports fans period. I don't watch US football, don't watch tennis, golf, basketball, soccor, hockey, etc. The only time I might watch these types of sports is during the Olympics.
I enjoy playing sports more than watching them, but thats just me.
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timorborder
The Netherlands and Denmark will go through to the next round. Cameroon will finish in 3rd spot, and Japan will pick up the wooden spoon, failing to score any goals in the tournament.
The result of this will be that Japan's unrealistic bubble of expectation will immediately burst, with Okada-san being made to carry the can (resigning in disgrace). Meanwhile, nothing will change in terms of the fundamental way in which sport is mismanaged in Japan, with the same old chaps down at the JFA still gripping the reins of power. The net result of this will be that Japan will again build up its hopes for the next World Cup, and again be let down by lackluster results. This trend will continue ad nauseum.
jinjapan
timorborder, i couldn't agree with you more in all you said about japan & the jfa. japan will be heading home shortly.
imarkon
I'm actually not SO sure about Denmark passing the group stage. They got really worse than some championship ago and Camerun is just skilled enough to go on. Also I beg to differ on the "japan , failing to score any goals in the tournament". They might just score a lot of own-goals !
On a final note, how comes the 32% of the voters just don't care about the FIFA? I mean...
my2sense
Its great having a young Japanese lady on this site. A riot...
that is priceless.
bicultural
30% not interested, huh? You're missing out. It'll be exciting. Anyway, there's no doubt the Netherlands will pick up 3 easy wins. The only hope Japan has is if they beat Cameroon and draw with Denmark. Highly unlikely, but ...
nath
Oh yeah, big time. Grown men faking injuries and 0-0 ties. Whoopie.
smartacus
I'm surprised that 14% have picked Japan to win the group. Still, in the World Cup, anything can happen. Look at what South Korea did in 2002. They went through to the semifinals against all odds.
Proffesor
At this time around I have less hope in Denmark or the Netherlands. I have a stroong feeling Japan will suprise everyone. Cameroon too, These are the two teams to watchou for.
Mark my words because I will prove true.
TanakaTaro
There will be very few nil-nil games, especially with the new balls. I can't believe anyone would vote anything other than the Netherlands.
Pukey2
Currently, 13% of those who voted are living in cloud cuckoo land.
Pukey2
Yes, well, in that case, Japan has a shot at the WC final!
nisegaijin
LoL at 13%. you kidding, right? lay off that grass
Hurtado
28% not into world cup football?? Omg this place must be swamped by americans or something, its the greatest sport tournament in the world for crying out loud!
Japan always do well, so I think Japan and obviously Holland are going to go through.
harkins
I don't think that Japan's training camp has helped much. I saw pictures yesterday that showed them playing a practice game in about 3 inches of water.
Their performance against England showed that they do have the potential to escape that group but they'll need to be at their best and have a dose of good fortune. But I can't see anyone other than the Dutch finishing top of the group.
diuneahma
Japan will most probably make it to the Q finals... then anything goes
funkymofo
Debucho, It's the biggest single sporting event in the world, the most popular sport in the world. It's you who doesn't get it, the rest of the world does.
ChrisBiggins
I think any except Japan because they are dreadfull for the most part.They haven,t won a game for ages have they, what ghastly preperations.
Only a few hours until the first match, whooooopee. I,ll be on the sofa with my best friend Phillipe routing for South Africa to win today.
It is a marvellous event and i think Holland may win the whole thing.
illsayit
Im in Japan! Of course Japan will win!! Havent been watching or reading it though. The adds are enough to keep track :) Considering the history of soccer politically speaking, the not interested, reflects the usual?
HonestDictator
As one of the 32% that isn't interested in the world cup... we're probably just not sports fans period. I don't watch US football, don't watch tennis, golf, basketball, soccor, hockey, etc. The only time I might watch these types of sports is during the Olympics.
I enjoy playing sports more than watching them, but thats just me.