This is yet another group in which the race for second place is far more fascinating than the race for first. The Netherlands (SPI rank 5) is the unquestioned favorite after a thoroughly dominating qualifying campaign. Denmark (SPI rank 20) is looking to reclaim some of the glory from their 1992 European Championship. Japan (SPI rank 42) is feeling the weight of promise after manager Takeshi Okada promised a semifinal run to the home supporters. And Camerron (SPI rank 25) is dealing with pressure of their own as they must try to live up to their potential in the first African World Cup.

The Netherlands has been a country on the cusp of glory for decades now. Utilizing their patented brand of “total football” the Oranje made it to the finals of the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, losing to the host nation both times. But as the years have progressed “total football” has been adopted and molded for each top team and no longer serves as an advantage for Holland. But the arrogance of perceived tactical superiority still permeates the country.  An undefeated qualifying campaign and the top form of star players Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder gives their orange-clad supporters much to hope for. There is also the concern of reported locker-room animosity. That has yet to show on the field but it’s a lot easier to get along during a 4-0 thrashing of Macedonia than a tension-filled quarterfinal matchup with one of the world’s top teams. Despite some concerns the Netherlands should top Group E with relative ease. The real question is how the team, who has enough talent to get back to yet another final, will come together in times of adversity deep in the tournament.

The Danes were one of the surprise teams during UEFA qualifying by topping a difficult group including Portugal and Sweden, conceding only five goals along the way. Success for Denmark is reliant on the strength of their back line. If they fall behind early Denmark is not a team built to play from behind. They would much rather get a 1-0 lead and protect it, hoping to extend their league only after their opponents have over committed to the attack. The two most potent offenses in Group E, Holland and Cameroon, are temperamental and easy to frustrate. A scoreless first half will fit perfectly into Denmark’s game plan. This team might not be exciting to watch but will prove very dangerous.

Japan is the lowest-ranked team in the group and will have to overcome a few glaring shortcomings if they are to get out of the group. First off, a semifinal birth for the Japaneese would be the biggest World Cup surprise in history for good reason. The talent just simply is not there. Both in qualifying and in the World Cup the Blue Samurais have been dominant at home but struggled away from Japan. They have not garnered a single point in a World Cup off home soil. There are also concerns about Japan’s mental capacity to handle the pressure of the World Cup. A 2-0 defeat against South Korea and two own goals against England shows a lack of team cohesion and an inability to perform under pressure. Japan is a team headed in the right direction in the international game. The J-League is gaining popularity and producing a few quality players but consistent success for Japan is a few World Cup cycles away and a realistic shot at the semifinals is very far down the road.

Cameroon has been trying to to replicate the success of 1990′s team, who shocked the world by advancing to the quarterfinals. Samuel Eto’o and Alex Song, who start for Inter Milan and Arsenal respectively, provide the Indomitable Lions with one of the most feared attacks on the planet. This will be a welcome change for a Cameroon side who averaged less than a goal a game in all of their World Cup matches since 1990. But where offense emerged defense has evaporated. The back line gave up six goals in a disappointing African Cup of Nations against teams with much weaker offenses than the Netherlands. Also, Samuel Eto’o's threat to skip the World Cup over criticism from former Cameroonian standout Roger Milla came across as petulant. Home-continent advantage can only go so far and Cameroon’s offense won’t be able to counteract their woeful defense or lack of leadership.

Prediction: The Netherlands should get out of the group fairly easily but don’t be surprised if Denmark can work a draw against the European giants. If they can do that Denmark will make it to the knockout rounds because of the disarray of Cameroon and lack of talent for Japan.

Game to Watch: Cameroon vs. The Netherlands, June 24. If nothing else this match will probably provide the most goals of any game of the group. It’ll be the match-up with the most recognizable players and it’s the last game for both teams. The Dutch will be looking to sew-up first place and Cameroon will be desperate for a victory in order to advance.

Who will advance from Group E of the 2010 World Cup? This group may be harder than it looks like with the unpredictable Cameroon, the industrious Japan, as well as Netherlands and Denmark. This group could create quite a few surprises. Cast your vote and click the comments link below to share your opinions.