The Netherlands opened Saturday's play with a hard-fought win over Japan to give the Danes a perfect six points in their first two matches. Australia showed up in a big way against Ghana, earning a tie despite playing the majority of the game a man down. Denmark surprised Cameroon and knocked the African nation out of the World Cup.
The Netherlands 1, Japan 0
In a battle of the Group E titans, The Netherlands came out on top thanks to Wesley Sneidjer. After a scoreless first half, the center rear forward ripped a shot that Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima just couldn't stop. After Robert Van Persie scooted the ball to the top corner of the box off an attempted headed clear by Japan, Sneidjer one-timed the ball at the net. Kawashima got in the way of it, but Sneidjer's shot was too much to handle, and it found the back of the net. The Netherlands maintained a suddenly impenetrable defense to hold on to the lead and all but seal a ticket into the knockout stages.
Ghana 1, Australia 1
Despite having to watch forward Harry Kewell get sent off with a red card for a handball in the box, Australia stayed resilient, earning a 1-1 tie with Ghana. Kewell's infraction also gave Ghana a penalty kick, its second in as many games, which Asamoah Gyan netted for the game's equalizer in the 25th minute. Mark Bresciano took a free kick in the 11th minute for Australia, which sailed over the wall of Ghana defenders and into the arms of goalkeeper Richard Kingson. Kingson couldn't hold on, though, allowing Brett Holman to scoop up the rebound and put it past the keeper. Ghana registered 24 shots, but missed chances and a few good saves diffused all of its chances to capitalize on the man-advantage.
Denmark 2, Cameroon 1
Dennis Rommedahl scored a goal and assisted on another as Denmark beat Cameroon 2-1.
With Cameroon's loss, they've been eliminated from the tournament, while the Danes' victory allows Netherlands to become the first country to advance to the second round.
Samuel Eto'o gave Cameroon the early lead in the 10th minute, but goals from Nicklas Bendtner (33rd minute) and Rommedahl (61st minute) gave Denmark the victory.
Standings
Group A
Uruguay (1-0-1, 4 points, 3 goals, 0 goals against)
Mexico (1-0-1, 4 points, 3 goals, 1 goal against)
France (0-1-1, 1 point, 0 goals, 2 goals against)
South Africa (0-1-1, 1 point, 1 goal, 4 goals against)
Group B
Argentina (2-0-0, 6 points, 5 goals, 1 goal against)
South Korea (1-1-0, 3 points, 3 goals, 4 goals against)
Greece (1-1-0, 3 points, 2 goals, 3 goals against)
Nigeria (0-2-0, 0 points, 1 goal, 3 goals against)
Group C
Slovenia (1-0-1, 4 points, 3 goals, 2 goals against)
USA (0-0-2, 2 points, 3 goals, 3 goals against)
England (0-0-2, 2 points, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
Algeria (0-1-1, 1 points, 0 goals, 1 goal against)
Group D
Ghana (1-0-1, 4 points, 2 goals, 1 goal against)
Germany (1-1-0, 3 points, 4 goals, 1 goal against)
Serbia (1-1-0, 3 points, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
Australia (0-1-1, 1 point, 1 goal, 5 goals against)
Group E
Netherlands (2-0-0, 6 points, 3 goals, 0 goals against)
Japan (1-1-0, 3 points, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
Denmark (1-1-0, 3 points, 2 goals, 3 goals against)
Cameroon (0-2-0, 0 points, 1 goal, 3 goals against)
Group F
Italy (0-0-1, 1 point, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
Paraguay (0-0-1, 1 point, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
New Zealand (0-0-1, 1 point, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
Slovakia (0-0-1, 1 point, 1 goal, 1 goal against)
Group G
Brazil (1-0-0, 3 points, 2 goals, 1 goal against)
Ivory Coast (0-0-1, 1 point, 0 goal, 0 goal against)
Portugal (0-0-1, 1 point, 0 goal, 0 goal against)
North Korea (0-1-0, 0 points, 1 goal, 2 goals against)
Group H
Chile (1-0-0, 3 points, 1 goal, 0 goals against)
Switzerland (1-0-0, 3 points, 1 goal, 0 goals against)
Honduras (0-1-0, 0 points, 0 goals, 1 goal against)
Spain (0-1-0, 0 points, 0 goals, 1 goal against)
Coming up: Slovakia and Paraguay open play on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. (ET). Italy and New Zealand will wrap up the second matches for Group F at 10 a.m. Brazil and the Ivory Coast battle at 2:30 p.m.
