Day 9
Netherlands 1-0 Japan
Japan and the Netherlands each arrived in Durban with a win in the bag. Things started slowly, however, as the Japanese worked to stifle Dutch creativity in a midfield that sorely lacked the influence of injured playmaker Arjen Robben. A tentative first half ended with just one shot on goal apiece, but the Dutch came out gunning after the break, with Robin van Persie finding ways to come to grips with the Japanese defence. The pressure finally paid off in the 53rd minute when Wesley Sneijder’s strike had enough venom to push past Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima’s hands and into the net. Fighting uphill, Japan were forced to open up their game, but couldn’t engineer a way back into the contest.
Ghana 1-1 Australia
Brett Holman gave the Socceroos the start they needed after an opening-match drubbing by Germany, firing home a lucky rebound in the 11th minute. But the Australians were to prove their own worst enemy once again, as Harry Kewell was sent off for using his arm to block a free kick on the goal line. Asamoah Gyan converted the subsequent penalty to restore parity. Ten-man Australia stayed strong, and the game became a goaltending duel, with Luke Wilkshire stopped by Richard Kingson after 72 minutes, and keeper Mark Schwarzer denying Quincy Owusu Abeyie a Ghanain winner in the closing minutes.
Denmark 2-1 Cameroon
With a loss each in their opening matches, both Denmark and Cameroon had something to prove in this contest. And Cameroon looked like they had the better of the argument early on, as some thoughtless defending gifted Cameroon the ball in a dangerous area, and Samuel Eto’o gratefully slammed it home. Denmark fought back, however, in the 33rd minute when a lightning-quick counterattack ended with a sliding Nicklas Bendtner poking the ball in. The Danes nearly spoiled their progress—another goalmouth giveaway gave Eto’o a chance that slammed into the post—but they eventually sealed their comeback when Dennis Rommdahl streaked through the defence and curled a lovely left-footer around Hamidou Souleymanou.
Denmark left the game with hope that they can still qualify, but Coach Morten Olsen will be furious at the generous defending.
Next: Day 10
