04.12.2009
Dutch courage not needed for Van Marwijk's team
A red-hot qualifying campaign earned the Netherlands a seeding for the World Cup and coach Bert van Marwijk is happy with the way the draw panned out for his talented team.
The in-form Oranje go into next year's tournament against fellow Europeans Denmark, dangerous African opponents Cameroon and a Japan side that insists it can make the semi-finals.
But Van Marwijk's star-sprinkled team are clearly favourites to top the group and he made clear he was satisfied with the draw, despite also warning that they should not take their opponents lightly despite winning all eight of their qualifying games.
"A lot of people will probably think that we will make it to the next round without too much trouble. However, our opponents shouldn't be underestimated," he told Dutch journalists.
"We are drawn in a very interesting group. I'm glad that we start with a match in Johannesburg, close to where we will stay."
The Dutch will be making their ninth World Cup appearance, with runner-up spots during their heyday in the 1974 and 1978 tournaments the highlight so far.
But with players like Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Mark van Bommel and Robin van Persie at his disposal, Van Marwijk will fancy their chances of finally lifting the trophy, although they can be vulnerable at the back.
He must be careful of Denmark, who finished ahead of Portugal, Sweden and Hungary in qualifying, while Japan are tenacious and have made the round of 16 before.
"It will be the fourth World Cup finals for Japan and we are aiming for a top four spot. We don't intend to change our goal and we continue to aim for a top four spot," insisted Japan coach Takeshi Okada.
With the Dutch seemingly superior, ultimately it could be all about who finishes second and Paul Le Guen's Cameroon, whose appearance in South Africa will be a record sixth for an African nation, could sneak it.
The Africans can be physically intimidating and will be buoyed by 'home' support. They also boast three-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o, who rivals Ivorian Didier Drogba as the best striker from the continent.
Cameroon, along with Senegal, have gone furthest of the African qualifiers for previous tournaments with the 'Indomitable Lions' reaching the last eight in 1990.
Source: © 2009 AFP - Alexander Joe
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