Netherlands vs Japan - Prediction

Netherlands
v
Japan




11:30 AM GMT, June 19, 2010
Durban Stadium

In their last encounter, the Dutch beat Japan 3-0 in September.

Team Stat Comparison

	Netherlands	Japan
Matches Played	1	1
Table Position	1	2
Points	3	3
Goal Difference	2	1
Goals for *	2.0	0.0
Goals against *	0.0	0.0
Last 5	W	W
Last 5 home	W	W
Last 5 away
*  Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club
Stats: Netherlands | Japan

Competition Stats

	Netherlands	Japan
Goals	Dirk Kuyt 1	Keisuke Honda 1
Assists	Dirk Kuyt 0
Yellows	Robin Van Persie 1	Yuki Abe 1
Squads: Netherlands | Japan

Group Table

RK	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	GD	Pts
1	Netherlands	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
2	Japan	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
3	Cameroon	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
4	Denmark	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0

Top two teams qualify for the Second Round

Netherlands player to watch: Gregory van der Wiel. The subject of interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and others during the summer, the Ajax right back has been in great form for his club and has made the defensive slot his own for his country now. Quick and agile, Van der Wiel is also as brave as they come and is a solid influence when he is not engaging on one of his trademarks bursts down the flank.

Japan player to watch: Daisuke Matsui. The man of the match from their opening win over Cameroon, the creative midfielder offered artistry in the attacking third for the Japanese and will the source of their attacking outlets again. He may not have the physical or mental strength of some on the side, but his experience will stand him in good stead and he will fancy his chances against the Dutch defence.

Key battle: Robin van Persie v Yuji Nakazawa. He did not have the impact that many predicted he would in the first game, but Van Persie is keen to prove himself in this Dutch side and will lead the line again. Boasting some of the best control in world football, Van Persie will play with his back to goal and allow his team-mates time and space on the ball, as well as looking to get behind his man. Nakazawa will have to use every minute of his 100-plus caps of experience to shut down his threat, but the defender's speed and acute sense of positioning could get him out of danger.

Trivia: Netherlands have won their three World Cup games against Asian sides, scoring ten goals in the process.

Stats: Six of Japan's last seven goals in the World Cup finals have been netted by midfielders, including Keisuke Honda's in the opening game against Cameroon. Against Denmark, Wesley Sneijder completed 61 of his 65 passes (94%) and created five goal-scoring chances.

Odds: Netherlands (1.44), Japan (9.00) and the draw (4.00) are all on offer atBet 365, but a Mark van Bommel rocket could get you a goal anytime at 6.50.

Prediction: Japan will be well organised, but the Dutch are masters in breaking sides down and should have enough to take control of the group.

Netherlands 1-0.