Group E

NETHERLANDS

CAMEROON

JAPAN

DENMARK

CROWD PLEASERS

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR GROUP-STAGE SHOWDOWNS BETWEEN REAL CONTENDERS, YOU'VE COME TO THE WRONG PLACE. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE Netherlands, no squad in Group E should make it past the quarterfinals. But if you want entertaining, hard-fought matches between sides with diverse styles, you're in luck. This is one of the most balanced, competitive groups in the tournament. ¶ With Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder carrying on the free-flowing tradition of Total Football, the Dutch are the obvious favorites to win the group. The three-way scramble for second place, however, should be one of the most engaging spectacles of the first fortnight. ¶ Cameroon, Denmark and Japan might not be sharks, but they're not minnows, either; each team has played in at least three World Cups and progressed to the knockout stage at least once. Samuel Eto'o, Nicklas Bendtner and Shunsuke Nakamura ensure a jolt of star power, meaning each squad is capable of pulling off an upset.