Spain beat Netherlands 1-0 in a bad-tempered final when 14 yellow cards and one red were issued.

Beckenbauer wrote in Tuesday's edition of German daily Bild that it should have been the World Cup's high point 'but this final unfortunately was rather an anti-advertisement for football'.

He said the match was 'lacking flow, (with) constant protests from the players and a referee who didn't have too much of an overview'.

Beckenbauer wrote that Germany's performance on its way to third place offered the opposite of that, with 'likable behaviour and attractive play'.

The Yorkshireman arrived home from South Africa with his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey to a barrage of media interest in their performance in the final at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Webb has come in for criticism from both the Dutch and Spanish camps after he handed out 14 yellow cards and sent off Netherlands' Everton defender John Heitinga during Spain's fractious 1-0 win.

"Whatever the match, you always hope that the officials won't need to be heavily involved. However, we had to raise our profile in order to keep control," Webb said in a statement released through the Premier League.

"We don't feel that we had much choice except to manage the game in the way we did. We came away feeling satisfied that we'd done a tough job in difficult circumstances to the best of our abilities.

"It was an extremely challenging match to handle, but it would have been so for any referee. It is one of the toughest games we will ever be involved in and we feel that we worked hard to keep the focus on the football as much as possible."

The Dutch players have been widely criticised for their behaviour during the final, during which Bert van Marwijk's side committed a rash of heavy-handed challenges.

Netherlands was fortunate not to lose midfielder Nigel de Jong to a straight red card in the first half for a high challenge on Xabi Alonso. But, despite Webb's leniency on that occasion, his performance nevertheless incensed the Dutch, and he was confronted by several players after the final whistle.

"From early on in the match we had to make decisions that were clear yellow cards," Webb continued.

"We tried to apply some common sense officiating given the magnitude of the occasion for both sides - advising players early on for some of their tackling, sending players away when they were surrounding the officials, and speaking to their senior colleagues to try to calm them down."

Despite the furore that has followed the final, Webb insists he has come away from South Africa harbouring 'amazing memories'.

"It was a marvellous honour to have been selected for the tournament and we had a wonderful six weeks in South Africa," he said.

"The people made us feel really welcome and we've hugely enjoyed the experience of being involved in such an incredible and unique event.

"We left the 2010 World Cup with amazing memories.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support of the public, the media, friends, colleagues, players and managers before and after the final.

"It was a massive honour and a privilege to take charge of the World Cup final. It is something every referee dreams of and to fulfil that dream was a remarkable feeling."

People within the English game have been quick to leap to the defence of the 39-year-old Rotherham official amid the fallout from the game, and Webb himself has no concerns about the overall display of his team.

"Mike and Darren made some terrific calls and I thought the decisions made by my team throughout the tournament were excellent," said Webb. "It's because of the quality of the team work that we were appointed to the final.

"We leave the tournament pleased with how we performed, honoured to be given the final and privileged to have met so many wonderful people in South Africa.

"We're all looking forward to a little bit of a rest and then coming back fresh for the new Barclays Premier League season."

"The final was without doubt one of the most difficult games Howard will have ever refereed," said Riley.

"On far too many occasions during the match the players showed little respect for the laws of the game and showed scant regard for the spirit of the game.

"In spite of these challenges Howard and his team performed superbly, showing great resolve and courage in dealing with the many incidents in the game.

"The experience and expertise of the team was evident to all and when they reflect on their contribution they will do so with great satisfaction.

"We should be thankful that such a difficult encounter was controlled by officials whose composure in the face of great challenges safeguarded the integrity of FIFA's showpiece fixture.

"Howard and his team have enjoyed an outstanding tournament. In their three matches leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final they were rightly recognised as the leading match officials of the tournament and built on an excellent performance in the UEFA Champions League final.

"Their measured approach to managing players, allowing football to flourish, was matched by the quality and accuracy of their decision making. Their appointment to the final was a fitting reward for their contribution to the tournament."

Webb became the fourth Englishman to take charge of the crowning game in world football following Jack Taylor (1974), Bill Ling (1954) and George Reader (1950).

Looking to have finally shaken off the disappointment of the team's third second-place World Cup finish, the players drank beer and waved at fans as orange streamers, fired from cannons along the canal, drifted over them.

Midfielder Rafael van der Vaart sprayed fans with beer, while defender Edson Braafheid caught a bottle of beer tossed to him by a fan and started drinking from it. Players had to regularly duck as their boat cruised under low bridges.

"I expected some people to come, but this is unbelievable," coach Bert van Marwijk said. "Can you imagine what it would have been like if we'd won?"

Scores of small boats, most of them pumping out loud music and packed with dancing revellers, followed the official flotilla.

In front of about 100,000 fans at the central Museum Square, winger Arjen Robben said: "Spain may have won the World Cup, but we have the best supporters in the world."

Before the team boat arrived, several fans leaped into the murky waters of the Brouwersgracht canal cheered by hoards of orange-clad, flag-waving supporters - despite warnings from authorities that swimming in the canals could expose them to anything from E. coli bacteria to sunken bicycles and shopping carts.

"It's a bit much, considering we lost," said Loes Olden, who was sipping a glass of white wine at the water's edge at a table decked in an orange tarp, two ornate candle sticks and a bowl of oranges. "It's over the top, but we're enjoying it."

Houses along the canals were draped in flags and some had giant footballs hanging from their facades.

Earlier, the team was honoured by Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende at the start of a hectic day of celebrations.

Under bunches of orange balloons, Van Marwijk and retiring captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst were given the honourary title of 'Knight in the Order of Oranje Nassau' at a reception in front of Balkenende's official Catshuis residence.

The team then was driven by coach to meet Queen Beatrix at her Noordeinde Palace in The Hague before an Air Force helicopter whisked the team to Amsterdam for its boat tour and an open-air party at Museum Square, where fans had watched the action from South Africa on giant screens throughout the tournament.

Amsterdam police tweeted that 500,000 people had descended on the city to celebrate Netherlands' best World Cup finish since 1978. There were no immediate reports of any problems among the fans, who quickly dispersed from the canals after the team boat had passed.

Orange-clad supporters began pouring into the grassy square, flanked on two sides by the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, hours before the party's scheduled 5pm (local time) start.

Security staff were posted next to a handful of house boats along the route in an effort to prevent fans clambering onto their roofs. When Netherlands won its only international title, the 1988 European championship, several house boats were badly damaged and a few sank amid wild scenes of jubilation.

The Dutch lost 1-0 in extra-time to Spain in the World Cup final - the third time the country has lost the final after defeats in 1974 and 1978.

Dennis Nuitermans, who runs a car showroom in the southern city of Breda, travelled to Amsterdam on his 32nd birthday for the celebration.

"It doesn't happen often that we are second in the world so we're coming for a great day out in Amsterdam," he said.

While Nuitermans was pleased with the team's second place, he was critical of its style of play. Van Marwijk ditched the trademark Dutch flowing, attacking style known the world over as 'total football' and replaced it with patient passing and uncompromising tackling he calls 'result football'.

"It was not really Dutch, but it was efficient," Nuitermans said. "The final was not exactly charming. It was pretty ugly at times."

Eight Dutchmen were booked and defender John Heitinga was sent off in an ill-tempered final in Johannesburg, where five Spain players were also booked.

Robben said his missed chance on the hour mark was still haunting him. The Bayern Munich star had only Iker Casillas to beat, but the Spain goalkeeper deflected Robben's shot wide with his outstretched foot.

"You want nothing more than to score that goal. It was a big chance," he said. "It hurts to miss a chance like that."

As he sang and danced in front of the huge orange crowd of adoring fans in Amsterdam, the pain appeared to be easing.

Cruyff was at the heart of the Netherlands team that earned a reputation of playing 'Total Football' in the 1970s, and the pioneer of the style that earned the Dutch the reputation of being a joy to watch.

The current Netherlands team displayed a type of football that was the antithesis of that, as it lost 1-0 to Spain, and a disappointed Cruyff admits it saddened him to witness the Dutch thuggery.

"Thursday they asked me from Holland 'Can we play like Inter? Can we stop Spain in the same way Mourinho eliminated Barca?'" Cruyff told El Periodico, in reference to the way Inter Milan defended its way to a UEFA Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona.

"I said no, no way at all. I said no, not because I hate this style - I said no because I thought that my country wouldn't dare to and would never renounce their style. I said no because, without having great players like those of the past, the team has its own style.

"I was wrong. Of course I'm not hanging all 11 of them by the same rope, but almost. They didn't want the ball.

"And regrettably, sadly, they played very dirty. So much so that they should have been down to nine immediately, then they made two (such) ugly and hard tackles that even I felt the damage.

"It hurts me that I was wrong in my disagreement that instead Holland chose an ugly path to aim for the title.

"This ugly, vulgar, hard, hermetic, hardly eye-catching, hardly football style, yes it served the Dutch to unsettle Spain. If with this they got satisfaction, fine, but they ended up losing.

"They were playing anti-football."

Cruyff has also joined in with the criticism of Howard Webb, who has been heavily attacked for the way he managed the stormy game.

Webb dished out 14 yellow cards - including two to send off Netherlands defender John Heitinga - but Cruyff believes he could have been even firmer, and should have dished out a red card for Nigel de Jong's karate kick to the chest of Xabi Alonso as well as handing a second booking to Arjen Robben for kicking the ball away.

The 63-year-old added: "When we say, often, that we do not like talking about referees, it is true and, above all, because only refereeing like that last night by the English Howard Webb can create in us a state of such indignation that then yes, it is necessary to comment.

"Because you can referee wrong, make a mistake, but what you can not do is create your own sense of justice and, even worse, invent a very personal application of the rules.

"Not only did he not send off two Dutchmen (including Robben who deserved the second yellow) but he also looked the other way at times when he should have involved himself.

"A World Cup final deserves great refereeing and, above all, deserves a referee who dares to do everything it means to be a judge."

The Rotherham official has been slammed from both Netherlands and Spain camps for his handling of the game at Soccer City.

Webb dished out a record 14 yellow cards, including two for Jonny Heitinga, in what has largely been viewed as an exceptionally difficult match to control.

Nigel de Jong seemed incredibly lucky to have stayed on the pitch, along with team-mates Mark van Bommel and Wesley Sneijder, but Robben believes he was the victim of a gross injustice when Carles Puyol - who had already been booked - tried to stop him racing clean through when the match was still level.

Robben accepts neither side made it easy for the referee but that Webb was not strong enough to handle it.

"It was a World Cup final," said the former Chelsea star.

"You are talking about two aggressive teams who want to win. It was for the referee to control the game.

"It is wrong when you sit in the dressing room together and you are only talking about the referee and his very bad points.

"There were some strange decisions and for me, honestly, if you play a World Cup final, you need a world class referee. I don't know whether that was a world class performance from the referee."

Robben's main grievance was the incident involving Puyol.

TV replays clearly showed Puyol tugging Robben back, only for Webb to play an advantage when the Dutch winger broke free again.

However, once Iker Casillas had raced from his goal to gather, Robben expected Webb to take further action, which did not come.

"It is very clear," he said. "He has to send him off and he has to give a free-kick. In the end there was no advantage.

"It cost us because I didn't go down.

"We were 10 minutes before the end of the game. If we score a goal there we can win the game. But I couldn't score because the goalkeeper was too close."

Robben insisted Netherlands' tactics were not too robust and it did try to play football.

Ultimately though, the scoreline shows it came up just short thanks to Andres Iniesta's winner four minutes from time.

"Spain are a terrific side," he said.

"We had our plan and we tried to play our football but Spain have a great team with a lot of great players.

"We tried to stop them defensively, our organisation was good and we created chances.

"We cannot criticise ourselves. We have done everything we could.

"One team always has to lose but it is very frustrating when it happens four minutes before the end."

'Spain Reign The Game' said The Times of London with a front-page headline that spread Spain's red and gold national flag across the top. 'Campeon del Mundo', declared the French sports daily L'Equipe.

"Spain cemented their position as the pre-eminent footballing nation of the era," The Times said of the nation's first World Cup win, which it added to its 2008 European championship triumph.

But newspapers around the world also highlighted the often brutal tactics used in the match played out in front of a television audience estimated at 700 million people.

Spain prevailed 'with great patience and an accustomed sense of drama' with the only goal by Andres Iniesta just four minutes from the end of extra-time, said the New York Times which said the final 'will be remembered more for meanness than splendour'.

"The Dutch intended to take Spain away from its graceful passing game. And they frequently did, sometimes with brutal intent. Still, Spain showed hardness of its own, becoming unnerved at times but never discouraged."

L'Equipe, which severely criticised English referee Howard Webb, said the match was marked by 'intimidation and destruction'.

It said two Dutch players should have been sent off in the first 30 minutes for fouls including Dutch midfield Nigel de Jong's kickboxing-style lunge at Xabi Alonso.

In the end only Dutchman Johnny Heitinga got his marching orders and by then the 90 minutes were nearly over.

China's media congratulated Spain for its first-ever World Cup victory, but also took a few swipes at how the final degenerated into violence.

"Fourteen yellows, one red - the most-ever in a final," Sina.com, one of China's top internet portals, said in a headline on a story about the struggles of the referees at the World Cup.

The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia commented how Spain 'held their nerve, their tempers and their discipline through 120 bruising minutes against a physically tough Dutch side who kicked, scrapped and tried - ultimately without success - to intimidate them from playing the possession football that has so entranced the football world during this tournament'.

Spain's media was quite naturally delirious. "The national team has consolidated the leadership of a dazzling generation," said the top-selling El Pais daily.

The Dutch press expressed disappointment and sadness after the Netherlands' third defeat in a World Cup final.

'The 'Oranje' cry', said a headline in orange in the popular AD daily over a full-page photograph of Wesley Sneijder lying on the pitch, his face hidden in his arms.

The popular daily De Telegraf paid a glowing hommage to the team, saying it had fought 'like lions'. "What will it take for the Netherlands to one day finally become champions of the world of football?" it asked.

Even De Jong accepts he was fortunate not to be sent off by referee Howard Webb after catching Alonso with an awful first-half tackle.

The Netherlands midfielder planted his studs into the Real Madrid man's chest and left him needing treatment before he was able to continue.

Alonso was still in pain long after the final whistle and fears he may have broken a rib.

Clearly, the 28-year-old was not impressed by De Jong's conduct.

"It was one of the worst tackles I have ever suffered," he said.

"It was a tight game, there was respect from both sides and they had to close us down.

"But that challenge was really hard. It was one of the most painful tackles in my life and it was hard to play on.

"I have probably broken a rib, although I am not too worried about that."

Reigning European champion Spain has now become the third side, after West Germany and France, to hold both tournaments at the same time.

No country has ever managed three on the trot, which will be Spain's task in two years' time at Euro 2012. It has already been installed as the bookmakers' favourites to complete a memorable hat-trick.

Alonso accepts there is plenty of work ahead of his team-mates before then but the raw talent is certainly there.

"Right now is not the time to think about the future, but of course the basics are there with this team," he said.

"The style is there, the mentality is there and the team spirit is there.

"If we keep working in this way many more big things may come."

"It was not exactly what we have, or what I have, expected for fair play on the field of play in the final," Blatter said at a news briefing to mark the end of the tournament.

English referee Howard Webb showed 14 yellows cards - a record for a World Cup final - and one red for Dutch defender John Heitinga as Spain won 1-0 in extra-time.

Blatter refused to blame the match officials for their handling of an often bad-tempered match, which was watched by an estimated global television audience of 700 million people.

"It is not up to me to judge the performance of the officials in match control," Blatter said. "I can only say it was a very hard task that the refereeing trio had on the field of play.

"They were not helped in this task, I can tell you that."

The Netherlands team was widely criticised for using physical tactics to stop Spain's rhythmic passing style.

Eight different Dutch players were shown yellow cards, with Heitinga sent off after Webb - a former policeman - showed him a second yellow in extra-time when the score was still 0-0.

Blatter said he could not comment directly on the conduct of the Netherlands team 'even if I have seen all the irregularities as a spectator'.

Football was a physical game but one that also educated players in certain values, the FIFA president said.

"When you learn to lose you should not forget the basics which is discipline and respect," Blatter said.

Five Spain players were booked, and influential defender Carles Puyol came close to a red when he appeared to impede forward Arjen Robben's run on goal late on. Webb allowed Robben to continue and attempt a shot.

FIFA is likely to open a disciplinary case against the Dutch team, and can also investigate Spain.

In FIFA's disciplinary code, article 52 relating to team misconduct calls for national teams to be fined if at least five players receive yellow cards in a match.

Blatter was booed by some sections in the 84,490 crowd at Soccer City when his name was announced and he walked on the field for pre-match ceremonies with the teams.

"I was only aware there were less vuvuzelas," Blatter said. "I have been received like a friend, like an African, in this country."

The team was whisked by bus to a hotel on the North Sea coast before a string of welcome home events on Tuesday, including meeting Queen Beatrix at her palace in The Hague and a boat tour through Amsterdam's canals.

The events will hopefully help both players and fans shake off the depression caused by the team losing its third World Cup final, 1-0 in extra-time to Spain.

Among the headlines in Dutch newspapers was 'Not Again' above pictures of dejected Dutch players following the final whistle.

Netherlands also lost to host West Germany and Argentina in 1974 and 1978.

The Algemeen Dagblad daily's headline was 'Orange tears'.

Police across the country reported minor disturbances as disappointed fans fought and let off fireworks at the end of the match.

In The Hague, riot police had to disperse a crowd at one square that had been the scene of previous disturbances during the World Cup, and in the eastern town of Zwolle they arrested a man with a gun and were investigating whether the weapon had been fired.

In Amsterdam on Monday, scores of dejected fans using Dutch flags as blankets woke up on the platforms of the city's Central Station after missing the last trains home.

More than 100,000 orange-clad fans watched the match on giant screens at the city's Museum Square but quickly and relatively quietly left after Andres Iniesta's extra-time goal shattered their dreams of finally shaking the tag of the best team never to win the World Cup.

Amid the disappointment was pride that a nation of just 16 million had reached the final, knocking out five-time champion Brazil along the way thanks to a 2-1 quarter-final victory in Port Elizabeth that will likely be remembered as the team's best performance.

'Fought like lions', said the front-page headline in best-selling daily De Telegraaf next to a photo of striker Robin van Persie and winger Arjen Robben holding their heads in their hands, Robben on his knees on the Soccer City turf.

'The 'Oranje' cry', said a headline in orange in the popular AD daily over a full-page photograph of Wesley Sneijder lying on the grass at the Soccer City stadium, his face hidden in his arms.

"Proud after a disappointment, it is possible," the paper said in an editorial.

"Even if the defeat in the final put a rude end to the joy that reigned over the weekend in this country, the Dutch team can be proud of its performance in South Africa," it said.

'Still not', headlined the left-leaning daily Volkskrant of Netherlands' third defeat in a final of football's World Cup, using the same photograph of the crushed Sneijder.

"The Spanish were better," the paper admitted, "but the Dutch team of 2010 is a machine of war in orange which has refused to bow down."

'And now the hangover', said the NRC.Next, the morning edition of economic daily Handelsblad.

"A new generation of Dutch footballers has made a name for themselves these past four weeks in South Africa but the smack of the final defeat will resonate for a long time yet," it said.

The popular daily De Telegraf paid a glowing homage to the team, saying it had fought 'like lions'.

"What will it take for the Netherlands to one day finally become champions of the world of football?" it asked.

Where some teams chose grim defence, Spain stuck to its attacking philosophy at this World Cup and, in the end, reaped the biggest reward there is. Where others hoofed balls up field and hoped, the Spanish passed, passed and passed until the goals came.

In becoming the first European nation to win the World Cup outside of Europe, Spain showed that beautiful football can be winning football, too. That positive example can only be good for the global game. Spain plays football in the way that young boys dream of when they kick balls around on pitches and streets.

A new champion, how exciting. No offence to the seven other nations that jealously monopolised the trophy until now, but football needed a fresh face. Other nations - Netherlands, of course, but with time, why not the United States, Ghana, Portugal and others - can take heart and dream that their day might come, too.

With its World Cup winner and its Wimbledon and French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who was in Soccer City for the final, Spain can brag of being the No.1 sporting nation of 2010. A real achievement. Spain's Alberto Contador also remains in the running to defend his Tour de France title, too.

For the first time in 80 years of World Cups, Italy, Brazil, Germany or Argentina did not play the final. That broadening of football's elite is good for its popularity and future.

Netherlands, with just 16 million people and the sixth largest economy in Europe, came very close to becoming the little nation that could.

It will be of no consolation, but the fluid, offensive-minded football played by Spain owes a debt to Dutch masters.

The world champion's backbone is made of players from Barcelona. And the most successful coach in the history of that club is Dutch, Johan Cruyff. The Dutch influence continues: Current Barca coach Pep Guardiola was in Cruyff's 'Dream Team' that won the 1992 European Cup.

In short, Netherlands has long been a far bigger force in football than its mere size suggests. Great thinkers of the sport, the Dutch have pollinated other countries and leagues with their ideas, skills and knowledge. That means it will, eventually, lift the World Cup. Just not on this, its third time of asking. To neutralise Spanish inventiveness, the Dutch lost its own artistry, hacking down Spanish players in a blizzard of fouls and deserved yellow cards.

Referee Howard Webb showed the value of having a real expert at this level. He could, perhaps should, have sent off Nigel de Jong for his karate kick that crunched into Xabi Alonso's chest on 28 minutes. But a red card then would have ruined the final. Webb should be congratulated for trying to ensure it was decided by players and not his officiating decisions. There had already been too much of that at this World Cup.

Although governing body FIFA insists that referees got the vast majority of their calls right, they will mostly be remembered for some huge howlers. The worst was Jorge Larrionda's failure to award Frank Lampard's goal that crossed the German line. Having World Cup referees from two dozen different countries made FIFA look democratic. But the errors were such that the introduction of some technology to assist them now looks inevitable and welcome.

In another positive for football, the final was also a triumph for the notion that investing in young players is money well spent.

Netherlands and Spain have some of the finest football schools. At least a dozen players on the pitch in the final or ready on the benches to replace them came through Ajax's football factory, based at a complex called The Future, or its Barcelona equivalent. There is a sobering lesson there for countries like England and Italy that were old and creaky at this World Cup.

Spain's victory also made Europe a winner. It has now edged ahead of South America in World Cup wins - with 10 to South America's 9. Following Italy's triumph of 2006, the Spanish win meant back-to-back titles for Europe. That broke a cycle of the cup travelling back and forth between Europe and South America that stretched back to 1962, when Brazil successfully defended the title it first won four years earlier. Quarter-finalist Brazil now has its work cut out if it wants to rebound for 2014, when it hosts the World Cup.

Europe dominated in other ways, too. The top goal-scoring teams were Germany, with 16, and Netherlands, which got stuck on 12. And Spain's Barcelona team-mates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta proved to be the best midfield partnership in world football, like husband and wife in the way they read what the other is thinking.

Spain carried the swagger and confidence of a squad with a long-term habit of winning, setting the example for teams that came to the World Cup with hired-gun coaches. Success cannot be instantly bought.

The Spanish also underscored another lesson from South Africa - the best performers were teams, not individual stars.

Not by any stretch of the imagination was this a standout World Cup. There were not enough edge-of-seat moments. Drama came in dashes, it did not become the theme.

The average of just 2.27 goals per match was the second-lowest of any World Cup. Too few teams played like Germany or Argentina, hell-bent on scoring.

The first goal of the tournament - a left-footed strike by Siphiwe Tshabalala for South Africa - was also the best, both athletic and triggering vuvuzela horns that did not stop buzzing for the next month. The All England Club, rugby officials and others are absolutely right to ban those ear-splitting pests.

But, just this once, those who tooted for Spain can be forgiven. It was deserved.

'Third trauma for Orange', read the lead story of the popular De Telegraaf daily, recalling the losses against Germany in 1974 and Argentina in 1978 in the only two other World Cup finals Netherlands contested.

"The World Cup in South Africa will enter Dutch history as the third football trauma," it said.

Spain's Andres Iniesta 'plunged the team and the Netherlands into deep mourning' with his extra-time goal, said the Algemeen Dagblad popular newspaper.

"After a blood-curdling evening in Soccer City, the World title remained just out of reach of the Orange Eleven," it added. "Spain was too good in the final, even it if only came to fruition in the second half of extra time."

"Netherlands Silver, Spain Gold," said the Christian daily Trouw.

"Spain defeated the Netherlands with a goal from Iniesta. It was a match without brilliant play."

"The dream is over, the Netherlands did not become World champions," said the public broadcaster NOS, next to a photograph of striker Wesley Sneijder seated on the ground with tears in his eyes.

Webb brandished 14 yellow cards, two of which led to a red for Netherlands' John Heitinga - setting a record for a final - in a fiery encounter that saw Andres Iniesta's late goal separate the sides.

Van Marwijk also suggested that Webb might have been influenced by Spanish media blaming him for Spain's defeat by Switzerland in its opening match.

The Netherlands coach said: "I don't think the referee controlled the match well. But let me be clear about this: the best team won the match.

"I'm trying to analyse the match as best as possible. But I read a few things today about how angry Spain were at the refereeing in the first match against Switzerland. If you view the performance (of the referee) today, you'd almost think now that that first match had an influence on this game now."

Van Marwijk admitted that some fouls had been 'terrible' but said both sides were responsible, though challenges by Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel were particularly X-rated.

He added: "It's not our style. Let me put it this way, it's not our style to commit horrible fouls. It's not our kind of football.

"It was a World Cup final and people were tense. Look at the rest of the tournament. I think both sides, also the Spaniards, committed terrible fouls.

"I'm on the bench and I haven't seen any replays. I'd have to see the replays. The way I saw it from the bench was very different."

Van Marwijk said the Dutch had done well to reach the final and could have won it.

"No one expected us to be here, in the final. We even came even very close to a penalty shoot-out. We could even have scored through (Arjen) Robben.

"Whether we would have deserved that, I don't know. But it's a final. It's very disappointing. You want to win it, and we might have done. I think we performed really, really well to get this far.

"The team that scored the first goal was going to win that match. Those chances for Robben could have meant victory for us. But, unfortunately, we weren't so lucky."

He also defended Netherlands' attempt to 'win ugly' and said that had not been the plan from the start.

"It was still our intention to play beautiful football, but we were facing a very good opponent. Spain are the best footballing country in the past few years, so we needed to have a top day to beat them," said Van Marwijk.

"We did a good job tactically on them. We got into good positions at times. Both sides committed fouls. That may be regrettable for a final. It's not our style, but you play a match to win.

"It's a World Cup final, and there's a lot of emotion out there. You saw that with both teams. I'd loved to have won that match, even with not so beautiful football."

An estimated 300,000 people forming a sea of red and yellow packed Madrid's downtown Paseo de Recoletos boulevard to watch the final from Johannesburg on giant TV screens and erupted at the final whistle as Spain became world and European champion.

"It had to be (Andres) Iniesta, the field marshal of Spanish football," said the 19-year-old Marcos Domenec.

The celebrations were easily the biggest ever held in living memory in Spain.

Fireworks lit up the city sky as people herded out onto the streets to celebrate. Television shots showed exuberant partying in jammed town squares across the country, from Zaragoza in the northeast to Seville in the southwest.

Spain, long tagged a perennial underachiever before winning the 2008 European championship to end a 44-year title drought, had never before gone past the quarter-finals. The team finished fourth at the 1950 World Cup when the play-off system was different.

A deafening roar rose from Madrid, including the sound of blaring vuvuzuela horns imported from South Africa, when captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas lifted the World Cup trophy at Soccer City.

Tens of thousands of people had put up with near 40 degree temperatures Celsius from early in the day to claim the best positions before the giant screens in major plazas in towns and cities.

In Madrid, emergency ambulance services treated dozens of people who had fainted.

A river of people swarmed down Recoletos boulevard and swung up the Alcala and Gran Via streets blocking making it impossible for cars to get by.

Marta Seco, 22, was overcome with emotion.

"This is the greatest sporting event in the history of the country," she shouted with tears in her eyes.

One banner amid the masses in downtown Madrid read 'Octopus Paul, Forever!' with a crudely drawn picture of the octopus from Germany who had correctly forecast Spain's victory.

Traffic jams emerged spontaneously throughout the city as motorists took to the streets, blaring their horns and waving Spain's yellow-and-red flag from windows.

Television images even showed hordes of people waving Spanish flags in Barcelona, where more than 1.1 million people protested on Saturday against a court ruling that the autonomous Catalonia region - home to many separatists demanding a breakaway nation - must remain a part of Spain.

In Alcorcon, a working class neighbourhood of Madrid, fans watching from a patio bar whooped in joy and yelled 'Spain! Spain!' as they danced on bar chairs and hugged each other. Others yelled 'Yes! Yes! The Cup is now ours!'

The night sky of suburb was lit up by fireworks and the bar patrons toasted each other with beer and sangria on a sweltering summer night, dancing in the streets and dodging firecrackers tossed by other fans.

"It's just amazing, I almost don't believe it," said a beaming Feliciano Hernandez, a 25-year-old electrician. "I'm so proud, totally happy and living for the moment and not thinking about anything else right now."

Nacho Moreno, a 23-year-old waiter, danced in the street waving the Spanish flag he had kept wrapped around his head for luck during the game as cars drove by, honking their horns in salute. He said he would probably drink until dawn to celebrate.

"It's phenomenal! Spain won. I was real nervous but I knew it was possible," Moreno said.

Daily El Mundo's website championed the win with the headline: 'Spain! Spain! Spain!' while ABC daily headlined its online front page: 'Champions of the World!'

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, about 100,000 fans had crammed into a central Amsterdam square to watch the game.

"I feel very sad actually for the Netherlands. It is tragic, yes," said Olivier Denboor. "I imagined until the last minute that Netherlands could win."

In The Hague, fans wept and hugged at the final whistle and tossed handfuls of orange confetti into the air.

"It's such a deception. We were so close. I feel empty, said 33-year-old shop worker Sander Lubbers.

Arend-jan Meijer tried to put on a brave face.

"It's a great shame, but Spain was the better team. It's only football," he added, as he headed for home kicking his way through piles of plastic beer cups.

At the North Sea Jazz festival, singer Stevie Wonder tried to lift Dutch spirits.

"Holland is still the winner," Wonder said after one of his songs. "We don't cry, we don't cry."

Dressed in the bright orange of Netherlands, crestfallen fans watched in disbelief as victory was snatched by Spain.

"We did well to even reach the final. But Spain were the better team tonight," Remuo Duursma, from Hornsby, told AAP.

Many Dutch fans were in tears after watching Spain score a late goal to win the match.

Six-year-old Jib Munnichs couldn't contain his grief after watching his heroes lose.

"He's very upset," Jib's mum, Jacky, told AAP.

"It's been a great atmosphere here, but we're sad to lose."

Heimerich Bisterbosch said he was gutted, lamenting his team's clear scoring chances.

"It is a great achievement for The Netherlands to even reach the final, but I have to say I'm disappointed," he told AAP.

Meanwhile, Spanish fans at Darling Harbour were celebrating jubilantly, after watching their country secure its first ever World Cup.

Thousands of football fans gathered at Sydney's Darling Harbour to watch the match, with the official FIFA Fan Fest big screen venue near capacity.

The big screens set up at Darling Harbour are one of only six official Fan Fest sites outside of South Africa.

NETHERLANDS

Maarten Stekelenburg: Brilliant reaction save early on from Sergio Ramos and then Fabregas late on but could do nothing to stop Iniesta's winner. 7

Gregory van der Wiel: Stalwart right-back who put in a good shift. 6

John Heitinga: Found it uncomfortable faced with Villa and Iniesta and eventually walked for two cautions. 5

Joris Mathijsen: Complete miskick when given a glorious chance but not there for his scoring. Caught out for the goal. 4

Giovanni van Bronckhorst: Pick of the Dutch defenders despite being the oldest player on the pitch. 7

Mark van Bommel: Spiky in the tackle, and deservedly booked for reckless take-out of Iniesta. A purely destructive influence. 5

Dirk Kuyt: Gave the ball away too much but helped out in defence to restrict Sergio Ramos. 5

Nigel de Jong: Tried to emulate partner-in-crime Van Bommel and lucky not to see red for a shocker on Alonso. 4

Robin van Persie: Battled vainly in his lone role up front with little reward. 6

Wesley Sneijder: Quiet game generally, but two killer passes to Robben could have made all the difference. 6

Arjen Robben: Netherlands' most dangerous player and will have nightmares about the one-on-one chance he missed. 8

Substitutes:

Eljero Elia: A couple of runs had potential but failed to pick out the right ball. 5

Edson Braafheid: Did not have much chance to shine. 5

SPAIN

Iker Casillas: Stunning saves to deny Robben twice and a calming presence for Spain. 8

Gerard Pique: Twice he and Puyol were split open by Robben's runs and twice Casillas had to come to the rescue. 6

Carles Puyol: Looked short of pace against Robben in particular. 4

Andres Iniesta: Man of the match. Some fantastic incisive passes. Got better as the game went on and a stunning winner. 9

David Villa: Darting runs a constant menace but unable to add to his five goals for the competition. 7

Xavi: Not quiet the master he has been - disrupted by Netherlands' physical approach. 6

Joan Capdevila: Had the toughest task to deal with Robben but usually matched him. 7

Xabi Alonso: Kept the ball flowing but was knocked out of his stride by Netherlands' tough tackling. 5

Sergio Ramos: Marauding presence down the right but missed a great chance to head Spain in front. 6

Sergio Busquets: Played the holding role with aplomb. 6

Pedro: Excellent in the first half, justifying his place ahead of Torres, but faded. 7

Substitutes:

Cesc Fabregas: changed the game when he came on. Almost scored before setting up Iniesta for the winner. 8

Jesus Navas: A breath of fresh air for the Spanish. 7

Fernando Torres: Predictable but distressing appearance - went down injured after only a few minutes. 4

It was an ordeal by combat for the Yorkshire official and his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey as Netherlands in particular tried to 'win ugly'.

It is not a record the 38-year-old Webb will be proud of but he was often left with little option as a tense encounter saw some crunching fouls and numerous late challenges.

Webb showed nine yellow cards to the Dutch - including two and a red to Everton's John Heitinga - and five to Spain.

Webb easily surpassed the record of Brazilian referee Romuald Arppi Filho who showed six cards in the 1986 final between Argentina and West Germany.

Cann had the first tough call to make when he flagged for offside against David Villa. It was perfectly-judged however - as was one minutes later when he this time he allowed the striker to run through on goal only for the ball to run away from him.

But as Netherlands' tackling became spikier, the busier Webb became. Robin van Persie, somewhat bizarrely, was first into the book for his second late challenge of the game and the Arsenal striker could have had no complaints about that.

Webb's next decision was equally easy when Spain's Carles Puyol slid recklessly into the back of Arjen Robben.

It was straightforward again when Mark van Bommel took out Andres Iniesta but he was perhaps a bit harsh on Sergio Ramos who merely clipped Dirk Kuyt - Spanish TV commentators certainly thought so.

An X-rated challenge by Nigel De Jong posed Webb his first real question when the Dutch midfielder smashed his boot studs-first into Xabi Alonso's chest. The Spain bench went up as one and though Webb must have considered a red card he opted for yellow again.

By half-time five players were in the book, prompting Rio Ferdinand to say on Twitter: "The players aren't making this easy for our referee Mr Webb! He's handling it okay so far though."

After the break Webb's book was soon out again - Giovanni van Bronckhorst this time for pulling down Sergio Ramos - a professional foul, and again the right decision.

Heitinga and Spain's Joan Capdevila made it eight bookings on the night before Webb had to deal with a couple of incidents with Spain players going down in the box - Alonso and Iniesta - but there were no big claims from the Spanish.

That was not the case when Xavi had his heels clipped by Heitinga during a melee in the box - a difficult one to call but a penalty nevertheless. However, Webb was not having it.

Robben also felt he was being fouled by Puyol when he ran through on goal and protested so much he too went in the book.

Heitinga received his second caution and then red for hauling back Iniesta before Gregory van der Wiel joined the yellow card party.

Joris Mathijsen was cautioned for protesting about Iniesta's winner before the goalscorer himself gave the match a certain symmetry when he too found himself booked for removing his shirt in celebration.

Xavi made it a ludicrous 14 yellow cards for the match. A record yes - but not one that Webb will want to remember.

He was booed by the Dutch fans when he went up to collect his medal after the match, but they might want to consider he could have easily have dished out more.

17 - Takes a free-kick from distance which is held by Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas

24 - Curls a free-kick into the area, which is held by Casillas.

25 - Concedes a free-kick for a bad-looking foul on Andres Iniesta in the Dutch half.

39 - Helping out defensively, clears the danger following a Spanish free-kick.

41 - Catches Sergio Busquets and concedes a free-kick in Dutch half. Receives a warning from Howard Webb, but escapes a booking.

45 - Sneijder's free-kick is headed across goal dangerously by John Heitinga, and only half-cleared by Spain before Arjen Robben's shot is turned wide for a corner.

57 - Receives a hard kick from Iniesta.

61 - A delightful through-ball finds Robben for the best chance of the match but the Bayern Munich winger's shot is saved by Casillas when one-on-one.

80 - Makes crucial tackle inside his own area after Iniesta beat Heitinga to race into the area.

87 - Free-kick from a good position is hit straight into the one-man wall.

90+2 - Takes an optimistic effort from 45 yards that is well wide.

94 - Dispossessed in midfield by Sergio Busquets, leading directly to a great chance for Spain which Cesc Fabregas cannot convert.

114 - Smacks a free-kick which deflects hugely off the wall and then appears to get a touch from Casillas, only to be given as a goal-kick.

Iniesta struck with four minutes remaining to settle a tetchy encounter that saw English referee Howard Webb brandish a record 14 yellow cards, two of which led to a red card for Everton's John Heitinga on a night when Netherlands shamed the 'Total Football' for which it has been synonymous since the first of what is now three final defeats in 1974.

Webb deserves a huge amount of credit for not setting a new record for red cards, let alone yellow, the first of which he showed to Robin van Persie in the 14th minute.

Pretty soon combative midfield duo Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong joined him for challenges that could easily have ended their evening.

The feeling that if the match had been played on a park pitch rather than being a showpiece occasion watched by an estimated three billion, one, or both, would have been sent off was inescapable.

Van Bommel's challenge on Joan Capdevila was bad enough. De Jong's karate kick on Xabi Alonso was awful.

That Wesley Sneijder was not even cautioned for a similarly woeful attempt at stopping Pedro could only be put down to either Webb being unsighted or the Dutch playmaker diverting attention by claiming to be injured himself.

Spain was not complete innocents in all of this. But it was the European champion which was feeling most aggrieved, which only intensified when Webb did not see a niggly second-half challenge from Van Bommel that sparked a reaction from Barcelona playmaker Iniesta.

Vicente del Bosque was particularly annoyed, jabbing his finger at either Webb or Van Bommel, who were both in roughly the same area of the pitch.

It made for such unsightly viewing and a final which did not even come close to matching its billing.

In fairness any game that is preceded by an appearance from Nelson Mandela is going to struggle to live up to expectations.

However, as the rather tasteless celebrations of Uruguay's Luis Suarez showed after his 'real Hand of God' that denied Ghana a place in the semi-final, the ends justify the means.

And that is exactly how Netherlands would have viewed it if Iker Casillas had not made a quite brilliant save to deny Arjen Robben after the former Chelsea star had been set free by Sneijder.

Robben must have thought he had done everything right.

Running at pace until he saw the whites of Casillas' eyes, he shaped to go one way, then placed his shot to the other corner.

Casillas was committed in the other direction but stuck out a leg and turned the effort wide.

It was by some distance the best opportunity of the regulation 90 minutes, although Sergio Ramos had a couple of decent openings himself, both headers, both from crosses from Xavi.

On the first occasion, Maarten Stekelenburg flung himself to his right and made the save at a point early enough in proceedings that a goal could have changed the contest completely.

By the time, unmarked, Ramos headed Xavi's corner over, Webb had become as much part of the occasion as the players.

It was the only Englishman to survive beyond the last 16 that Robben ran to when he threatened to sprint through again, only to be denied by Casillas.

But losing possession did not come before Carles Puyol had made a desperate grab for the Bayern Munich winger, who was convinced the Barcelona defender should have been sent off.

On as a substitute, with a point to prove after mustering the grand total of 93 minutes prior to the game, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas twice came close to breaking the deadlock in extra-time, when Xavi also had a penalty claim turned down.

But Spain was not to be denied. Fabregas slotted it through to Iniesta and after one touch to control it, his second was a crisp volley past Stekelenburg.

The loss of Fernando Torres to another injury in stoppage-time may have further consequences for Liverpool.

But in Madrid and Barcelona that will not matter. In Amsterdam, only a shattered reputation remains now.

Spain's veteran central defender Carles Puyol soared high in the 73rd minute from a corner to head into Germany's net for the only goal of a tight, technical and gripping second semi-final in Durban.

Spain's control of possession never allowed the young German team to play like it did in sweeping aside previous opponents.

Netherlands booked its final spot a day earlier with a 3-2 win over Uruguay at Cape Town.

With 28 of the original 32 teams now out of South Africa - Uruguay and Germany will play in the third-place match at Port Elizabeth - the 19th edition of the World Cup is down to two glamorous European sides each trying to win the title for the first time.

Spain has struggled throughout the World Cup but found its confidence in Durban, playing an intricate, short passing game that eventually ground down the Germany midfield.

"From defence through to attack I think we played a great game," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "We've got another game in front of us, let's see if we are able to control the ball. We're in good shape physically, so let's see if we can win."

Germany coach Joachim Low paid credit to Spain.

"In the last two or three years they have been one of the best and most united teams," Low said. "They move the ball well and we couldn't play the way we like to play."

Five plane-loads of football fans headed for the match experienced long delays landing at Durban's King Shaka international airport, forcing some of the fans to miss the game or be late. Four planes from Johannesburg and one from Cape Town were initially refused permission to land after the airport was swamped by arrivals, airport spokesman Bongani Maseko said.

All the passenger were eventually allowed to land and given a police escort to the stadium, though too late for many fans to see any of the match.

FIFA said it had not decided who will present the World Cup trophy to the winning captain.

Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela is expected to do the honours if the 91-year-old anti-apartheid legend is well enough to attend the match.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is expected to attend the final, one of 14 heads of state planning to be there.

The 86-year-old Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, has been accused of human rights abuses and of running a campaign of political violence in the country. His presence has already garnered complaints from rights groups.

An official with South Africa's foreign ministry said leaders from Kenya, Swaziland and Burundi will be in the stands, as well as Lesotho's King Letsie and King Mswati of Swaziland.

On Wednesday, organisers promised a high-tech closing ceremony featuring pop star Shakira, compared to the more traditionally African ceremony which opened the tournament.

The Colombian pop star will start strutting her stuff about two hours before the final.

By the time the world champion is decided, a British tabloid journalist arrested and charged after a fan appeared in the England team's dressing room after a World Cup game could know his fate.

Simon Wright of the Sunday Mirror appeared in court Wednesday and will face charges of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breaching a contravention of the Immigration Act in a two-day hearing Saturday and Sunday.

Police said Wright was involved in an 'orchestrated' attempt to undermine World Cup security after Pavlos Joseph found his way into England's changing room and confronted injured England star David Beckham at Cape Town on 18 June.

A British bookmaker said it was offering even odds that Paul the Octopus, who has guessed all of Germany's results correctly so far, including its semi-final defeat, will pick the winner of the final.

De Jong was a helpless spectator in Cape Town, having been ruled out of Netherlands' FIFA World Cup semi-final with Uruguay through suspension.

Thankfully for the Manchester City star, the Dutch emerged triumphant thanks to second-half goals from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, and he can now look forward to the game of his life at Soccer City.

But the chances are, no matter how the contest works out, De Jong will not expend as much energy as he did watching the semi-final.

"That was the hardest game I have ever been involved in," said De Jong.

"I am more tired than all the other guys in the dressing room put together.

"I was so nervous. I was missing the semi-final of the World Cup because I had picked up two yellow cards.

"It just made it a very stressful night.

"But the guys did a terrific job. They made it possible for me to play in a World Cup final."

Netherlands has never won the World Cup, losing both its previous final appearances - in 1974 and 1978.

Indeed, the semi-final represented its ninth major tournament semi-final and so far its reward stands at one single triumph, at Euro 88.

It has often been suggested Netherlands is the best team never to have won the most prestigious tournament the game has to offer.

That assessment is one De Jong agrees with.

"That is right, but it is not a problem," he said. "The energy we get from it is positive, not negative.

"Those teams in the past put Holland on the map. But that was 32 years ago. This is a new generation.

"We cannot go into the game with any memories of the past.

"This is our squad and our time. With all due respect, they had theirs."

It is debatable whether any of the current Dutch generation compare with Johan Cruyff, legendary leader of the 'Total Football' team that was denied glory by West Germany 36 years ago.

Yet in Sneijder it has a midfield schemer who will surely be crowned world footballer of the year should Netherlands be crowned champion, given he has also won the treble with Inter Milan, including that famous UEFA Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich.

Little wonder Manchester United, among many others, are casting admiring glances in Sneijder's direction, although Sir Alex Ferguson knows the asking price has continued to rise with each of the five goals the midfielder has scored in this competition.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will not be costing anyone anything, having already announced his intention to retire as soon as the competition is over.

The 35-year-old former Rangers and Arsenal star will now get to crown his career in the most romantic manner imaginable when he leads Netherlands out onto the biggest stage of all in the 106th and final international match of his career.

That he should also score the goal that put Netherlands on its way to victory, a stunning strike that flew in off the post from 35 yards, a firm contender for goal of the tournament, just added extra gloss.

Assistant coach Frank de Boer labelled it a once-in-a-lifetime effort. Van Bronckhorst, meanwhile, simply finds it all hard to believe.

"The last game of my career - and it's the World Cup final," he said.

"It could not be more beautiful. I hope it will be the most beautiful game of my life."

Although there have been more talented Dutch squads in the past three decades, the difference this time appears to be the harmony achieved by coach Bert van Marwijk, something to which De Jong can testify.

"We have a good spirit," he said. "We always play the best football we can and we are together as one.

"You can see that in the way we perform.

"Even yesterday we had some difficult times but we stick together, and we always have the quality to score goals."

The Dutch has never won the World Cup, but reached the final in 1974 and 1978.

Also, a huge screen will be erected at the North Sea Jazz Festival, which brings top international musicians to Rotterdam for one of Europe's largest annual music events. Organisers fear that the football will siphon off attendance.

Win or lose, the players will be welcomed home on Tuesday with a massive parade through Amsterdam's canals. At least 1.5 million people - twice the city's resident population - are expected to attend.

The Dutch reached the 1974 and 1978 finals with some of the football's greatest players, but each time the host nation overturned the strutting Oranje.

After a 3-2 win over Uruguay, coach Bert van Marwijk is determined to make sure that a six-game winning streak at this tournament does not bring out the traditional Dutch weakness of assuming the next victory is a foregone conclusion.

"We know we can play football," captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst said. "To be mentally strong is now most important."

Van Marwijk's memories of the 1974 tournament, when the Dutch thrilled the world only to then be beaten 2-1 by a single-minded German team, are too strong for him to let his players fall to the same weakness.

If it loses at Johannesburg's Soccer City, it won't be through lack of preparation.

"Often when we start beating people, we become overly confident and then we are sent home," Van Marwijk said. "We did lose the match whereas we should have won it because we played wonderfully well.

"Johan Cruyff was the best football player that ever existed."

Van Marwijk now wears winning ugly as a badge of honour. The Dutch on a record 25-game unbeaten streak that includes 10 straight wins.

Assistant coach Frank de Boer was there in 1998 as a defender when the Dutch last reached the semi-finals only to be eliminated by Germany in a penalty shootout. He also senses much has changed.

"In '98, we were happy just to get in the semis and could play Brazil," he said.

He noticed the same in the Uruguay players and already knew victory was coming when the players first put foot on the pitch a few hours ahead of the semi-final.

"Let me give you a small example: I'd knew we'd win when a saw a half dozen of their players come onto the field with their cameras - and I am talking starting line-up players. They filmed the stadium, filmed the players, showing they were happy just to be there.

"Then I knew our approach was much better. That is why it is that important to keep that focus."

And De Boer and Van Marwijk have the support from players who usually love nothing better than flaunt their skills.

Striker Robin van Persie said the players won't get carried away by an occasion marked by millions back home painting villages and cities in the team's orange colour.

"I will only realise it looking back," Van Persie said. "Now I have this tunnel vision, and you just do what you have to do."

Forward Dirk Kuyt knows how bad it is to lose a final after going down to AC Milan while playing for Liverpool in the 2007 UEFA Champions League showpiece.

"I was there and I know what it is," Kuyt said. "It is not going to happen to me a second time."

He has taken Netherlands to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup without any rows, backbiting or scandals.

There has been the occasional fiery glance from Robin van Persie and the odd exchange of opinion when the Arsenal striker has been substituted.

But in the main the Dutch team which faces Uruguay for a place in the World Cup final have all been singing from the same sheet.

Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst talks about 'hunger' and 'belief', while Everton defender Johnny Heitinga says: "If you want to win a title the most important thing is you have to be a team and fight for each other. It doesn't matter if someone makes a mistake, you have to cover his back. You have to put your ego away."

So far that is exactly what appears to be happening with a Dutch team which won all eight of its matches in qualifying and has won all five matches in South Africa, including fighting back from a goal down to beat Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Both goals came from Wesley Sneijder, the second a fine header. He is not the only Dutchman using his head at this World Cup.

Let's face it, in the past Dutch feuds have been as inevitable as tax in your pay packet.

Ruud Gullit and Dick Advocaat famously fell out before the World Cup in 1994. Edgar Davids and Guus Hiddink likewise at Euro 96.

Whenever Netherlands come together for a major tournament, metaphorically it seems there is blood on the walls.

Van Marwijk, however, appears to have convinced his biggest stars to patch up their wounds, or at least apply a sticking plaster for the duration of the tournament.

No easy task that, especially when Sneijder and Van Persie, arguably Netherlands' most influential players, came into this competition on the back of a two-year dispute.

It emanated from a training clash plus a row over who should take free-kicks, dating back to Euro 2008 when Netherlands was knocked out 3-1 after extra-time in the quarter-finals by Russia. In the latter stages Van Persie took a free-kick which Sneijder believed was assigned to him.

A petty spat, but public sniping in the media between the two made matters worse and the pair have barely spoken since. Yet the team do not seem to have suffered.

Much of that is down to Van Marwijk, the 57-year-old who won the 2002 UEFA Cup with Feyenoord and has shown himself to be a master pragmatist.

Under his reign Mark van Bommel was restored to the squad having excluded himself under Marco Van Basten.

In fact, the only controversy in Netherlands' build-up was when Van Marwijk banned his players from posting on Twitter after winger Eljero Elia streamed a video of himself playing a computer game with Ryan Babel and making comments which appeared to insult Moroccans. Elia issued an apology.

But it is the well-being of Sneijder which is most important.

If Van Persie provides the fire power and Arjen Robben the touch of unpredictability which all sides need then Sneijder is the orchestrator.

He is the creator, the supreme passer, the man who inspired Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side to Serie A and UEFA Champions League glory in May.

More importantly Sneijder, the man who already has scored four of Netherlands' nine goals at this World Cup has delivered at a tournament where Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi have disappointed.

It is that cutting edge which suggests Netherlands can reach its first World Cup final since losing to Argentina in 1978 amid the 'Total Football' era which made the Orange army such a vibrant force.

Chances are it will beat Uruguay, a solid side but one lacking true all-round quality, by two clear goals.

If so it will be Van Marwijk's triumph. A victory for harmony.

In a country where beauty has long trumped winning, the Netherlands team of 2010 is doing it the other way around, epitomised by the work ethic and persistence of the versatile Liverpool player.

"He always gives everyone a signal how it should be done. And his impact and enthusiasm is very infectious," coach Bert van Marwijk said. "He is incredibly important."

So much so that Van Marwijk benched one of his most gifted players, Rafael van der Vaart, to give Kuyt the opportunity to wear down Brazil and send Netherlands into a semi-final against Uruguay.

Whether in orange or the red of Liverpool, Kuyt plays the same way. Shooting off in various directions like a pinball, he chases players left, right and centre and doesn't give up until his team has won possession. Then he reverts into the utility forward he is, opens up play and gives decisive passes like the assist which earned the Dutch a 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the round of 16.

So much for the vaunted Big Dutch Four. Based on South Africa's wildlife Big Five, purists had wanted to see Oranje play the superbly gifted quartet of Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Van der Vaart and Robin van Persie.

Van Persie even made a point of pushing for it himself, and pushing Kuyt onto the sidelines in the process.

The notion was too romantic for Van Marwijk, who has had to fight off unkind comparisons with Dutch 'Total Football' of the 1970s ever since his team started winning ugly in the group stage. However ugly it is, his side remains the only nation with a perfect record in the World Cup.

Credit Kuyt.

"The way he fights in this team, his work load rubs off on all the other players," captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst said.

Look at him move, even in training, and his value is plain to see.

At pre-match training on Monday, Kuyt took part with the rest of his team-mates in the usual set of passing, shooting and dribbling drills. But while some relaxed, the 29-year-old forward exuded determination.

Kuyt then took some extra shooting practice alongside Robben. Kuyt drilled his shots low from distance with his right foot, as straightforward as can be. Robben instead, practiced his trademark move, cutting in sideways, faking past a defender and curling left-footed shots inside the posts - poetry in motion.

On Monday though, Kuyt received the ultimate Dutch accolade when Cruyff embraced his play and work ethic.

"Without belittling anyone, it is still nice to see how Kuyt developed into one of the most valuable players. There were doubts, but he was ready as of the opening game," Cruyff wrote in De Telegraaf.

"Look at what he did. Started on the right, then at forward and against Brazil on the left, not only did he keep Maicon out of the game, he also set up the winner," referring to Kuyt flicking on the corner that was headed in by Sneijder.

"Someone like that is worth his weight in gold," Cruyff said.

The sterling endorsement came after a tough season at Liverpool, scoring only three goals in 31 Premier League appearances.

"Every player has a lesser spell in his career. But Liverpool also had a tough year," said Van Marwijk, who also knows one thing about outgoing Reds coach Rafa Benitez.

"When Benitez sets up his line-up, the first name he writes down is Kuyt. It says enough."

"We are continuing down the road we have chosen," Van Marwijk said. "I will not let anyone distract me from that."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, meanwhile, is drawing inspiration to beat the favoured Dutch from the 1950 'Miracle of Maracana', when his tiny nation beat Brazil at Maracana stadium to earn its second World Cup title.

"The history of the World Cup is full of results that nobody could have expected, and they continue to happen," Tabarez said. "Why shouldn't we be able to win on Tuesday?"

But, he added: "I know we have to play a perfect game and we're going to approach it with all of our effort."

Uruguay, ranked No. 16 in the world, is a two-time World Cup winner, while the fourth-ranked Netherlands is still trying to shake off the tag of two-time loser after talent-packed Dutch teams lost to hosts Germany and Argentina in 1974 and 1978.

"We have to beat Uruguay," Wesley Sneijder told the official Dutch supporters website. "We're just thinking of one thing: we want to win the World Cup. This is our time."

Uruguay only reached the semi-final thanks to Luis Suarez's handball on the line to deny Ghana in the dying seconds of extra-time, and Tabarez knows his team will have to do better against the Dutch.

However, Tabarez hit back at criticism of Suarez's actions.

"We are very proud of our behaviour," Tabarez said. "Please don't tell me or suggest that we cheated. I don't accept that in any way."

Van Marwijk and Tabarez are both having to fill holes in their starting line-ups caused by injuries and suspensions.

Chief among them will be the suspended Suarez, who knows all about scoring against Dutch defences - with 43 goals in 39 games for Ajax last season in the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup.

Fullback Jorge Fucile is also suspended after picking up a second yellow card against Ghana, while central defender Diego Godin missed that game with a left thigh problem and remains in doubt. Captain Diego Lugano also is fighting to be fit after injuring a right knee ligament against Ghana.

"The risk of pain is the last thing on my mind," Lugano said. "Everybody wants to play in these games, but the question is whether I'm physically 100 percent to be able to play a game at this level."

Tabarez refused to reveal whether Lugano and Godin would play.

"Our line-up is our great secret," he said. "Neither my players nor the Dutch players are going to know until Tuesday."

Van Marwijk is expected to start Khalid Boulahrouz at right-back and Demy de Zeeuw as a defensive midfielder in place of the suspended Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong, who both picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament against Brazil.

However, injury clouds hanging over Hamburg centre-back Joris Mathijsen and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie have disappeared, with both declared fit to play. Mathijsen has recovered from the knee injury that forced him out of the quarter-final just minutes before kick-off, and Van Persie can play despite injuring his left elbow against Brazil.

Van Persie has scored just one goal in the five victories leading into the semi-finals in Cape Town, but Sneijder has picked up the scoring slack with four strikes from midfield, including both second-half goals in the comeback 2-1 defeat of five-time champion Brazil.

Van Marwijk said he still had confidence in Van Persie, despite his lean patch.

"Players with so much talent can play well and turn a match at any time," Van Marwijk said. "I have always had faith in him even when he was not playing so well and I still do."

Uruguay may be missing Suarez, but it still has one of the world's top strikers, Diego Forlan, who already has three goals in South Africa.

Netherlands is on a 24-match unbeaten run and in its first World Cup semi-final since 1998 in France, when it lost on penalties to Brazil.

"The Netherlands is a great team with lots of players with individual quality that also work hard for the team," Uruguay defender Mauricio Victorino said. "They have managed to get that balance between attacking power and defensive solidity."

While both teams' strikers are making headlines, their success is built on defensive strength; Uruguay has conceded just two goals at the World Cup, while the Dutch has allowed three.

Uruguay is the sole South American survivor in the last four after Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay all crashed out in the quarter-finals. The other semi-final is an all-European affair pitting European champion Spain against form team Germany in Durban.

Uruguay won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, but last reached a semi-final in 1970 when the team finished in fourth place.

"It's a very difficult match against the Netherlands," Tabarez said. "They haven't lost a game so far, they've got great players and a lot of diversity in their play.

"They will start as the favourites and it's going to be difficult - difficult, but not impossible."

The 47-year-old Gullit, who won the 1988 European championship, said that playmaker Wesley Sneijder and winger Arjen Robben have been inspirational and will play a crucial role in the semi-final against Uruguay in Cape Town.

"We've played well and we've had a little bit of luck on our side," Gullit said, adding that Robben was 'a vital player'.

Netherlands benefited from an own goal in its opening group-stage win against Denmark, while Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo deflected the ball into his own net from Sneijder's cross to draw the Dutch level in a 2-1 quarter-final win.

Netherlands has never won the World Cup despite reaching the final in 1974 and 1978 when the Dutch 'total football' style was in full flow. Both those finals were lost against the host nation - West Germany and then Argentina.

"Everybody expects now this is the moment," Gullit said. "We have been in the final twice, but the difference in this tournament is that at last we won't play against the host.

"It's a great opportunity for this team to make it to the final, but first they have to play against Uruguay and that's also a difficult task."

Netherlands' 1988 European triumph is still the country's only major international honour, with Dutch teams regularly appearing to spend more time fighting among themselves than fulfilling their potential on the pitch.

Even at this tournament, a rift seemed to open up in the camp when stories surfaced in the Dutch media about Robin van Persie's anger at being substituted instead of Sneijder in the round of 16 match against Slovakia.

Sneijder went on to score the second Dutch goal in a 2-1 victory, but coach Bert van Marwijk was forced to call a team meeting to clear the air.

Gullit said the consequences of infighting and bickering are often overstated or misguided.

"I don't think it has much to do with that," Gullit said. "In '88, we also had an argument with the federation and sometimes you use these arguments to bond - they give you a common enemy.

"It's not just the harmony that's important (this time), we have also had luck on our side at key moments."

The Indomitable Lions failed to register a point in the competition for the first time in its six appearances at the finals.

It was beaten in all three matches in Group E - by Japan, Denmark and Netherlands - despite coming into the tournament as one of Africa's biggest hopes.

But Eto'o said: "We're all disappointed, we went to South Africa with high hopes of having a good World Cup, but it was not possible.

"We cannot go back now. We must look to the future. And the future comes quickly because we already play in September.

"We must reorganise this and try and come back strongly."

The future the Inter Milan striker was referring to is the start of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign for 2012.

Cameroon, which is pooled in Group E for that campaign alongside Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mauritius, will be without World Cup coach Paul Le Guen.

The Frenchman left his post after their exit but Eto'o refused to blame him for its woes in South Africa.

He continued: "We are all responsible. It would be easy to say that it is the fault of the coach.

"I think the players are equally responsible as the coach. We are all in the same boat and it is important not to look for a scapegoat.

"But Paul Le Guen did what he could and it is not his fault."

Eto'o, who scored both of his country's goals in losing causes against the Danes and the Dutch, also asked the people of Cameroon not to be disheartened.

"The most important thing now is to tell the people of Cameroon, thank you for their support," he added. "Yes, we're disappointed not to meet their expectations, but in football this is sometimes the case.

"The most important thing now is to reorganise, have a strong plan going forward and do something good.

"It was not all bad, we still had the chance to discover some young players and we can say that in three months we have the qualifiers for the Africa Cup.

"So hopefully we can restore some pride then."

Dutch hopes of winning the trophy for the first time were dashed by the Brazilians in the quarter-finals in 1994 and again in a heart-breaking semi-final shootout four years later.

But this time around, it is the South Americans who are heading home early with their dreams of a sixth title in tatters following a remarkable turnaround at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Instead, Netherlands will face Uruguay, which edged out sole African survivor Ghana in a penalty shootout, in Cape Town believing its time has finally come.

De Jong said: "Why not? The belief has always been there. We have reached the semi-final and we will see what happens now.

"Now we have to analyse our next opponents and make sure we can go on from the semi-final.

"Like I said at the beginning of the tournament, you have got to beat everybody to reach the final. Now we have beaten Brazil, we have to make sure we do the same to our next opponent."

The history between the two nations was a major topic of discussion in the run-up to the game, and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt later admitted that provided even greater motivation.

However, he also insisted Netherlands arrived in South Africa firmly believing it could go one better than its predecessors did in both 1974 and 1978, when they were beaten in the final.

Kuyt said: "We already had that feeling before the tournament, that on our day, we can beat every country in the world.

"But at the end of the day, we have to show it and we showed it (yesterday).

"We deserved to win. We won 2-1, but the chances we had, it could have been 3-1 or 4-1.

"It was revenge for '98 and I am glad that we have turned it around.

"But at the end of the day, the most important thing for us today was to win and to show the world we can compete with the best teams in the world.

"It's unbelievable. I really enjoyed it, playing at the highest level in the quarter-final.

"But now we are focussed on the next game. I don't think we realise how big it is at this stage because we have to be focused and we have to try to go all the way."

The Dutch will go into the semi-final with De Jong and full-back Gregory van der Wiel suspended after both picked up yellow cards.

Robin van Persie and Joris Mathijsen, meanwhile, have been sent to hospital for scans after picking up injuries before and during the game.

Hamburg defender Mathijsen pulled up in the warm-up ahead and had to be withdrawn, while Arsenal forward Van Persie is thought to have hurt his arm during the match in Port Elizabeth.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said: "He's in hospital at this moment to have a scan.

"And for Joris Mathijsen it's the same. Both are in the hospital for scans.

"Robin has an arm problem and Joris a knee problem. I don't know what it is, so that's why they are in the hospital now."

While the injury to Van Persie is not thought to be serious, opponent Uruguay will certainly be without its star striker, Luis Suarez, who was sent off for handling on the line in the dying seconds of his side's nail-biting victory over the Ghanaians.

Kuyt said: "We still have to be careful and take it step by step, but we are very happy and very satisfied.

"Whoever our opponent was going to be, we had to do the same job as we did today."

Whatever happens in Cape Town, the game will do well to live up to an eventful quarter-final clash.

Brazil looked to be coasting when Robinho gave it a 10th-minute lead from Felipe Melo's defence-splitting pass.

However, it failed to capitalise on its first-half dominance and after Melo's afternoon took a decided turn for the worse - he scored a 53rd-minute own goal and was then sent off for senselessly stamping on Arjen Robben - Wesley Sneijder won the tie with a rare header as a training ground move paid the highest possible dividends.

Kuyt said: "We always practise corners and today, it was the perfect corner. We were all so happy that the corner was good - but also that the smallest man on the pitch scored the goal.

"I you had bet on Wesley Sneijder scoring with a header, you would be a millionaire."

For all Sneijder's heroics, however, Robben is not expecting a repeat as the tournament approaches its climax.

Asked if he is anticipating more headed goals from his team-mate, the Bayern Munich winger replied with a smile: "Headers? No. More goals? Hopefully, yes."

Felipe Melo's own goal and the first headed strike of Wesley Sneijder's career saw the Dutch come from behind to edge past the Brazilians and into the semi-finals.

Now van Marwijk is determined that a journey upon which it set out two years ago will not end prematurely in fresh disappointment.

He said: "I said to the Dutch Football Association two years ago that I was not going to this tournament just to take part in it.

"I'm a sportsman and if I go somewhere, I want to win. People might think that's arrogant, but we have proven we can beat Brazil, one of the best teams in the world.

"If that's a fact, we should dare to say this, we should go for it.

"But I will make it very clear to my team: we have still got two matches to play and the next match is the most important. We will have to really concentrate on that."

Netherlands will continue its mission in Cape Town, but will do so without Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong, who both picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Brazil had taken the lead through Robinho's 10th-minute strike, but it self-destructed as Melo, who was later sent off for stamping on Arjen Robben, put through his own goal before Sneijder's 68th-minute winner.

The Inter Milan midfielder said: "It was my first headed goal - and I don't think it will happen again. Chances are it won't.

"But it was great. It just slipped off my bald head and went into the net. It was a great feeling."

The defeat came as a bitter blow to five-times winner Brazil, whose coach Dunga said: "We are all extremely saddened. We didn't expect this and we hoped for a different result.

"We knew it was going to be a very delicate, very difficult game, but we weren't able to maintain the rhythm we had in the first half in the second half."

Wesley Sneijder dumped favourite Brazil as the Dutch finally got the better of its South American nemesis.

But it had to fight back to avenge its heartbreaking defeats of 1994 and 1998 and book its place in the semi-finals.

Robinho, who had already had an effort ruled out for offside, fired the Brazilians ahead with just 10 minutes gone, and the Dutch struggled to cope during the opening 45 minutes.

But Felipe Melo's 53rd-minute own goal gave them fresh impetus and Sneijder won it 22 minutes from time as Melo was dismissed for stamping on Arjen Robben.

However, Netherlands will have to do without both full-back Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong for the semi-final in Cape Town after both collected second bookings.

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff had claimed dismissively before the game that he would not pay to watch this Brazil team, and if he did stay away from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, he may have been glad he did so at half-time.

Dunga's side may not possess the flair of its forebears, but it had more than enough to cut Netherlands open almost at will, and the 1-0 lead it enjoyed at half-time was scant reward for its dominance.

Robinho thought he had given the South Americans the lead with just eight minutes gone after Luis Fabiano and Dani Alves combined to carve open the path to goal and he supplied the finish.

An offside flag ended that celebration, but he did not have to wait too long for a chance to ease his disappointment.

This time, it was defensive midfielder Melo who split the Dutch rearguard wide open with a straight ball down the middle, and Robinho left orange shirts floundering in his wake as he beat keeper Maarten Stekelenburg with consummate ease.

But for Stekelenburg, the game would effectively have been over by the break with the Ajax man pulling off a fine one-handed save to keep out Kaka's curling 31st-minute effort after Robinho and Luis Fabiano had left Netherlands once again chasing shadows down the left.

The keeper was relieved to see fullback Maicon's rasping drive, which bore similarities to Carlos Alberto's stunning strike in 1970, tear into the side-netting in first-half injury-time with the Dutch very much up against it.

But it resumed in more determined fashion, and it got its reward within eight minutes of the restart when, after Sneijder had curled a cross hopefully into the penalty area, Julio Cesar and Melo challenged each other and the ball went in off the midfielder's head.

Robben started to cause problems in the wake of the goal, but Alves flashed a long-range effort just wide and Kaka also went close at the other end as Brazil responded.

But it was Netherlands which took the lead with 22 minutes remaining when Kuyt flicked on Robben's corner and Sneijder steered a header into the net.

Melo received his marching orders five minutes later for senselessly stamping on Robben with his side's World Cup dream rapidly unravelling.

Andre Ooijer's last-ditch tackle denied Kaka five minutes from time, and there was no way back for the five-time winner.

The South Americans reached uncharted territory after overcoming a Japan side which was also looking to make it through to the last eight for the first time in Pretoria.

There was nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes in which neither nation could produce a goal or much in the way of chances, and it was left to the first penalty shoot-out of the 2010 World Cup to decide the winner.

That honour went to Paraguay, which scored all five of its spot-kicks while Japan missed its third when Yuichi Komano smashed his effort against the crossbar.

Santa Cruz was understandably delighted with the historic win, but wants its record-breaking run to continue beyond the quarter-final showdown with Spain.

"We're very pleased, very happy, it can't be measured yet how big an achievement this is for us but we are very happy to get through," Santa Cruz told Press Association Sport.

"We set our goals very clearly and we said anything below this (reaching the quarter-finals) would be a disappointment. We've achieved that goal, but now that we are here we want to get even further and keep making history for our country.

"We are very pleased with the result, but we are also very keen to go back and rest now and have a great game in the next round."

Gerardo Martino's side will now meet Spain in Johannesburg after the European champion knocked out Portugal 1-0.

Speaking before the result of that match, Santa Cruz was in bullish mood about whichever of the two Iberian rivals got through, promising the victor a tough encounter this weekend.

"It will be very very hard whoever we play, but we don't mind who we face," the Manchester City striker said.

"Whoever is playing will have a very tough game against us, that's for sure. If there's one guarantee it's that we won't make it easy for anyone.

"We are very confident that in tough games we always play better, and hopefully it will be the same again in the quarter-finals."

As to his side's prospects of getting through to the last four, Santa Cruz added: "We know that it will be tough but we won't back down now that we are so far.

"We will make a big effort to win the next game and I think we have an opportunity to do it."

Paraguay was the lowest scorers of the eight pool winners after netting just three goals in its three Group F games - two of which came in the win over Slovakia.

The Albirroja also failed to create many goalscoring chances against Japan, but Santa Cruz hopes it will be a different story against the Spanish.

"We had two games where people were very concerned about the defending and it's very tough to create chances when people are defending with 10 or 11 players. We still had chances but we didn't have the fortune to score," said Santa Cruz, who has yet to get off the mark in South Africa.

"I think we're getting in positions and we're doing the right things. Some day things will start to fall for us, and hopefully it will be in the quarter-finals."

Paraguay's joy was Japan's disappointment as the Blue Samurai missed out on its own chance to make history.

Japan had only once before reached the last 16, on home soil in 2002, and goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima hopes it can continue to make progress for the next World cup.

"We can take confidence and have proved that the Japanese team can play much better than imagined. That's a good experience and we have to carry on for the next World Cup," said Kawashima, who was beaten by all five Paraguayans in the shoot-out.

"I tried to go into the penalty shoot-out with confidence but it's very disappointing I couldn't save any," he said.

The Dutch goalkeeping crisis was so acute last year - with Stekelenburg on the Ajax bench and two other keepers injured - that coach Bert van Marwijk pleaded with Edwin van der Sar to return from retirement for a pair of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Manchester United No. 1 and most capped Netherlands player turned him down and Stekelenburg's path back to Oranje was assured. Van Marwijk selected him for the qualifiers against Scotland and FYR Macedonia and he repaid his coach's confidence by keeping clean sheets in both matches.

"I was not afraid I would not come back because I know what I can do and I think I've demonstrated that," Stekelenburg said. "But it was a tough year last year. Maybe mentally it was good for me."

The 27-year-old has now played 31 times for Netherlands since making his debut as Van der Sar's deputy in September 2004.

Now he is looking forward to facing Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals after making two crucial saves to help Netherlands beat Slovakia 2-1 in the round of 16.

"At a crucial stage Maarten Stekelenburg saved us," Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said.

The crucial moment was the 67th minute, with Netherlands defending a precarious 1-0 lead and the momentum of the match swinging toward Slovakia.

Buoyed by beating defending champion Italy 3-2 in its previous match, Slovakia poured forward in search of an equaliser.

In rapid succession, Stekelenburg tipped a powerful shot from Miroslav Stoch over the crossbar and then parried a close-range effort by Robert Vittek.

"Those two saves kept us in the match. They were two good shots," Stekelenburg said. "After that we regained the initiative."

Stekelenburg has only let in two goals in Netherlands' four matches at the World Cup - both penalties.

Samuel Eto'o beat him in the 2-1 win over Cameroon when the Dutch was already qualified for the next round, and Vittek scored a consolation penalty for Slovakia with the last kick of the match after Stekelenburg had brought down substitute Martin Jakubko.

The foul momentarily put Stekelenburg's place in the quarter-final in doubt as referee Alberto Undiano reached into his pocket for a card that turned out to be yellow instead of red.

Stekelenburg said he was not afraid he would be sent off for bringing down a player who had broken through to shoot.

"He was running toward the sideline and I think there was a defender on the goal line," he said. "But you never know."

Makaay played 43 times for his country and scored 256 goals in 526 games during his career, which included a spell latterly under Van Marwijk at Feyenoord before he retired at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old believes Netherlands is the equal of Brazil and gives a lot of credit to Van Marwijk.

Makaay told FIFA.com: "The Dutch qualified for the quarter-finals very comfortably. They've been in no trouble at all in any of their matches - and they can still play a lot better too.

"Van Marwijk is an outstanding coach. He's very calm and collected, he knows exactly what he wants, and he communicates that directly to the players.

"They know there can only be one target this time, which is winning the World Cup - but I rate Van Marwijk as one of the best coaches I ever had.

"Holland against Brazil is a massive game. I reckon the teams are just as good as each other right now, and I think the winners will go through to the final.

"Before the tournament started, I'd have said Brazil and Spain as favourites. Now I see the winners of Holland versus Brazil meeting Argentina or Spain in the final - and that could go either way.

"Argentina are the best team I've seen so far but Spain are a great team."

Makaay, who played in the Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 finals, has been greatly impressed by Germany starlet Thomas Muller - who netted twice in the 4-1 demolition of England.

He said: "It's not just that Thomas has had a great World Cup. He maintained very high standards throughout last season.

"He's brought all the positives from a superb season with Bayern Munich with him to the World Cup and he's been outstanding so far.

"He's young, he's unaffected by the pressure, and you can see he's enjoying the tournament."

Makaay added: "I've also really enjoyed watching Lionel Messi. He's my player of the tournament at the moment, despite not scoring himself as yet.

"But there's also Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez who have done well."

Van Marwijk's men head into the clash in Port Elizabeth on the back of four straight wins, including a 2-1 triumph over Slovakia.

However, Brazil is the five-time world champion and looked impressive in brushing aside the challenge of Chile.

"I'm looking forward to this match," said Van Marwijk.

"Against Brazil, perhaps we might be the underdogs for the first time in South Africa.

"But we are here for one reason, to get the big prize. We have to believe in it.

"People might have laughed at us when we said we were capable of winning the World Cup.

"But you have to show a real mentality, a constant focus. I think we are showing that."

The Dutch has shown plenty of flair in attack, coupled with strong defensive displays.

"In all of the matches we have played so far, we have shown that we can control a match," added Van Marwijk.

"We have scored seven times.

"We have been able to show how good we play.

"I think that our defence has done a wonderful job so far. We have conceded just two goals.

"(John) Heitinga, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and our goalkeeper (Maarten Stekelenburg) have done a great job.

"I think we are improving in every aspect but I would like to see everything converge into one match.

"We simply want to win and I don't think we are doing such a bad job."

The return of Netherlands' talisman, Arjen Robben, against Slovakia was great news for Oranje fans.

The Bayern Munich winger has recovered from a hamstring injury and showed in his first start of the World Cup how crucial he is for the Dutch after scoring his team's opener.

"It was important that he played for 70 minutes," said Van Marwijk.

"I think he has just passed that fear factor, having recently returned from injury.

"It's great news to have Robben fit."

Van Marwijk sees similarities between Netherlands and Brazil and not just because Dunga's side has also impressed in the tournament en route to its meeting with Netherlands.

"Brazil is a very mature team," he said.

"They have stability. That is what they convey.

"I have talked about our positive form but we shouldn't get too big-headed.

"The Brazilians also convey this confidence, it is almost like they are invincible."

Slovakia return home after claiming one win at its first World Cup finals.

Vladimir Weiss' side went into the clash against Netherlands after pulling off the biggest surprise of the World Cup by eliminating defending champion Italy.

"We wanted to reach something more but the one who advances is a better footballing team," said Weiss.

"My players showed heart and courage and they showed it particularly in the game against Italy but also against Holland.

"I am happy with my players, although I believe they could have played much better against Holland."

Weiss said the tournament was a huge success for his team.

"I would like to thank Africa for a great atmosphere," said Weiss. "A great World Cup.

"We are happy to have played against Holland, to have gone this far."

The Japanese have only once before reached the knockout stages of the World Cup when, on home soil in 2002, they were eliminated at the second-round stage by Turkey.

But the Blue Samurai is again in the last 16 in South Africa after beating Cameroon and Denmark to finish second in Group E behind Netherlands.

That set up a showdown with Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld and for one of the nations a maiden appearance in the quarter-finals awaits.

Okada is optimistic it will be his side making history, although he knows it will not be easy.

"It will be a challenge for us as we try to get into the last eight for the first time, so we will be doing our absolute utmost to address this challenge," said Okada, whose side was the first team to book its place in South Africa after a relatively comfortable qualifying campaign.

"Paraguay are solid in defence and quick in attack and it's clear they are good team because they finished first in their group, but if we can deliver 100 percent of what we can do then I'm certain that we will be able to win.

"So tomorrow I hope that physically and mentally we can give everything."

Paraguay helped contribute to one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far - the early exit of defending champion Italy.

The Italians finished bottom of Group F, with Gerardo Martino's Paraguay going through as winners after beating Slovakia and drawing with the Azzurri and New Zealand.

Okada added of the South Americans: "In their group they were first amongst very good teams. All of them were very good and strong in their group, and they finished first.

"Many their players play in European leagues and they're all good players, and up front particularly they are very quick.

"Perhaps Paraguay aren't one of the most fancied teams but they are strong and good at going from defence to attack quickly, which is something we have to be careful about."

Asked what it would mean back home in Japan if it was to make it through, Okada said it would be great news but insists it needs to be viewed as just another step in the right direction rather than the ultimate fulfilment of a goal.

"I would say for the football community it will be wonderful and encouraging news. What the Japanese football community is aiming at, which is to become one of the top teams, will be one step closer if we qualify for the final eight," he said.

"But I have to say if you only pile bricks vertically they will eventually fall down, so we have to support from both sides.

"I personally don't want to base everything on just one result or just one competition. We need to have a longer-term vision, to estimate and evaluate the level of Japanese football.

"We need to be aware of the journey and path which is still ongoing."

The 29-year-old Tulio bruised his back in the latter stages of his side's 3-1 win against Denmark, but trained alone on Saturday in a light session.

"I just picked up a knock late in the game against Denmark. I'll be all right," Tulio said. "You expect fatigue to build up during a tournament, but I am really looking forward to playing against Paraguay."

Tulio had an eventful few days leading up to the tournament, scoring own goals in friendly losses to England and Cote d'Ivoire and colliding with Didier Drogba, resulting in the Ivorian captain breaking his right arm.

Japan's three group games were against attack-minded teams, but the match against Paraguay offers a different tactical challenge.

Okada said Paraguay has a 'solid back line' and know how to 'switch quickly from defence to attack'. He also says it has mental strength and technical astuteness.

Japan surprised many observers by beating both Cameroon and Denmark to reach the round of 16, and a narrow 1-0 loss to the Netherlands - which topped Group E - also showed how hard Okada's team is to beat.

The talented Dutch side romped into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a perfect three wins from its group matches, finishing with a 2-1 victory over Cameroon in Cape Town.

Robben was part of the squad who captivated audiences at Euro 2008 only to surrender to Russia in the quarter-finals, while the Oranje also failed to make a real dent at the 2006 World Cup despite boasting talented personnel.

Comparing the current crop with the side of two years ago, Robben said ahead of the last-16 clash with Slovakia: "The spirit is the same.

"The only thing is that we're two years older and we're more experienced. We have been playing together for a long time and we have learnt from our mistakes."

Team-mate Rafael van der Vaart went a step further, claiming the team can reach the final in Johannesburg.

"Slovakia have a good team and they will be a tough opponent," he said.

"We won the group with nine points and we're happy with what we accomplished.

"I believe we will be in the final."

Robben, meanwhile, hopes to feature again against Slovakia having played 20 minutes against Cameroon following a hamstring injury.

"I wasn't too worried (about the injury)," he said. "The most important thing was to get some rhythm in the legs. I know it is still not 100 percent."

Robben's return to action, however brief, was welcomed by his team-mates.

"It's fantastic to have Arjen back," said Robin van Persie.

"He's such a great player. He can dribble, he can score, he can give assists. He's just a great all-round player."

Van Persie opened the scoring before Samuel Eto'o's penalty took Cameroon level. Robben's introduction was key, however, as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar hit the winner after the winger's shot hit the post and fell to him.

"I'm more happy about my team play than my goal," said Van Persie.

"I didn't play well in our first two games so I'm happy with the confidence the manager's shown in my to play me today, and of course I'm really happy with the goal.

"Winning all three matches is definitely good for our confidence, it's amazing. But we still need to improve now. We had some good phases in the last three games but we need to build on that and play better and for longer."

Asked if it can finally lift the World Cup, the Arsenal forward said: "Hopefully I can give you a positive answer in three weeks.

"But we have got to show now that we have learned from the last two or three tournaments.

"Most of our guys have two, three or four tournaments in their legs so hopefully we can show now we have learned from that. I do believe we have and we're determined to do it."

Its 3-1 win over Denmark in its final Group E game Thursday (Friday morning AEST) meant Japan had equalled its best World Cup run which came when it was co-host in 2002.

Before the Japanese arrived in South Africa they showed they were already thinking big: the coach's stated ambition was to reach the semi-finals.

To achieve that, it must first beat second-round opponent Paraguay on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEST) in Pretoria - another team that has never made it as far as the quarter-finals.

"We want to go further and higher in this competition, step-by-step," striker Keisuke Honda said after the game at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

That's a thought that resonates with coach Takeshi Okada.

"We haven't achieved our final end," he said.

"The players will need a break but tomorrow we will renew our efforts towards our challenges."

Honda, who got his and Japan's second goal of the tournament in the 17th minute against Denmark with a thundering free kick, was named Man of the Match.

He expressed his team's lofty aspirations.

"Before the start of the match I recognised the importance of the game and I had expected to be really jubilant" about the result," he said. "I'm not as jubilant as I had expected to be because we haven't finished the competition."

Okada accepts his team has limitations, boasting no star names and modest international pedigree.

"We have been able to make it to the knockout stage. But we can still not play on an equal footing as the leading world-level teams," he said.

What the Japanese do have, and demonstrated against Denmark, is a feisty team spirit.

That quality has come to the fore in South Africa where Japan has improved notably after losing all four of its pre-tournament warmup matches.

"Our players are now better," Okada said.

"We are very good at holding the ball and counter attacking from the middle. The players are better and more accurate and better at making the right decisions. That's one of the big differences we have made."

The Japanese beat Cameroon 1-0 in their first game for its first World Cup victory on foreign soil. It lost its second match, 1-0 to the Netherlands and finished second in Group E.

Japan and Paraguay have never met at a World Cup. In their last encounter, in a May 2008 exhibition match, they drew 0-0.

Paraguay topped Group F with five points, drawing 1-1 with Italy, beating Slovakia 2-0 and drawing 0-0 with New Zealand.

The Paraguayans also reached the second round at the World Cup in 1986, 1998 and 2002.

The ball was on the right wing, 40 meters from goal and all seemed harmless as the Netherlands and Cameroon looked destined to play out a 1-1 draw on Thursday (Friday morning AEST).

But Robben, on as a substitute after recovering from a hamstring injury, had other ideas.

Cutting left past a defender and into the center of the pitch, he ripped a powerful effort from distance that sailed past the African goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou and off the post. Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar knocked in the rebound to give the Netherlands a 2-1 win.

The Frenchman finished the tournament with three defeats from as many games after losing the dead rubber against the Netherlands 2-1.

Le Guen took over the Cameroon job last northern summer and in December 2009 signed a contract extension running until the end of the World Cup after impressive results in qualifying.

With that deal running out after the Indomitable Lions' group stage elimination, speculation is rife Le Guen will link up with the vacant Australia job, especially after comments from Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy that a coach at the 2010 World Cup was being sounded out for the gig.

“Let me say this. Is the coach coming from the 31 countries that are here [in South Africa]? Yes,” Lowy told Fairfax media.

The World Game understands Le Guen has since been approached by Football Federation Australia, but the French coach, who guided Lyon to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002-2005 refused to speak of reports linking him to the job.

Needing only a draw to qualify from Group E, the Asians took the lead in the 17th minute when CSKA Moscow midfielder Honda bent in his set piece from 30-yards out on the right.

Although not as spectacular, Endo's 20-yard effort followed on the half-hour mark when the outstretched Thomas Sorensen was beaten for the second time.

Jon Dahl Tomasson saw his penalty saved nine minutes from the end, but bundled in the rebound to give his side a glimmer of hope, only for Shinji Okazaki to seal Japan's triumph and book a last 16 tie against Paraguay.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada named an unchanged team for the third match in succession, while his counterpart Morten Olsen was boosted by the availability of Nicklas Bendtner, who passed a late fitness test.

Per Kroldrup was drafted in for the suspended Simon Kjaer, with Jesper Gronkjaer replaced by Thomas Kahlenberg.

The Scandinavians had the first real chance inside five minutes, but Tomasson found himself in the wrong position as he tried to deal with a deflected Simon Poulsen cross and the chance went begging.

Yoshito Okubo then sent in a low cross from the left that was flicked on nicely by Daisuke Matsui 10 yards out, only for Sorensen to intervene outstandingly with his feet.

Moments later Makoto Hasebe latched on to a defence-splitting pass, but wastefully shot over.

At the other end captain Tomasson was again played in, on the left side of the box this time, but his low shot curled agonisingly wide.

The deadlock was broken the next time Japan went up-field thanks to Honda's stunning free-kick, his second goal so far at the finals.

It came after Matsui was fouled 30-yards out on the right and a curling and dipping shot was sent over the wall into the far corner beyond an outstretched Sorensen.

Tomasson had his third chance inside the opening quarter when Christian Poulsen lifted the ball over the defence, but the Feyenoord front-man failed to connect cleanly and Eiji Kawashima parried the ball away to safety.

Endo then made it 2-0 when he bent his free-kick around the wall into the right-hand corner.

After Christian Poulsen tried his luck from distance, Sorensen prevented his side falling further behind before half-time when he tipped over Yuichi Komano's effort from the right.

The Stoke City goalkeeper was saved from embarrassment by his right-hand upright less than three minutes after the restart when he spilled a routine catch from an Endo free-kick.

Kahlenberg then seemed to be taken by surprise when the ball came to him at the back post, guiding the ball wide from a tight angle, while Tomasson was again let down by his control in the six-yard box after Lars Jacobsen swung over a useful cross from the right.

Denmark continued to pile on the pressure and substitute Jakob Poulsen was next to come close, with his long-range effort punched away by Kawashima.

Christian Eriksen, another replacement, then saw his strike from outside the box fade away as the Danes looked short of ideas.

When the players did manage to get into the penalty area, the out-of-form Tomasson, on a 15-match goal drought before this match, was unable to convert.

With 11 minutes to play, another effort from distance by Soren Larsen left the cross-bar shaking, but seconds later Tomasson finally managed to hit the back of the net.

After Daniel Agger received a shove in the back to win a penalty, the veteran striker saw his shot stopped by Kawashima, but the rebound was unconvincingly sliced hope.

It gave Denmark hope, but substitute Okazaki killed its spirit in the 87th minute when Honda teed him up to send Japan through.

With the Netherlands already through to the last 16 and Cameroon out, it took Robin van Persie's 36th-minute flash of inspiration to get things going.

Samuel Eto'o's second-half penalty levelled matters until substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar's 82nd-minute winner continued the group winner's momentum heading into a last-16 clash with Slovakia.

The Oranje came into the match on an unbeaten run of 21 international matches and had produced wins against Denmark and Japan to secure its progression.

Bert van Marwijk opted not to risk starting with Arjen Robben, while Van Persie and Nigel de Jong were included despite being a booking away from suspension.

Rafael van der Vaart dragged one wide for the Dutch early on and Cameroon's Aurelien Chedjou fired a weak effort at Maarten Stekelenburg.

Dirk Kuyt picked up a needless booking before Van Persie could only fire straight at Hamidou Souleymanou after brilliantly setting himself up by chesting down Giovanni van Bronckhorst's chip forward.

In the 31st minute Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun headed over from Geremi's cross before Kuyt dragged one wide for Holland.

Finally the crowd had something to cheer after 35 minutes when Van Persie opened the scoring, playing a neat one-two with Van der Vaart before firing between Souleymanou's legs.

After five minutes of the second half Mark van Bommel played a nice sweeping ball forward for Van Persie which his colleague wastefully hit at the goalkeeper.

Sneijder's free-kick was on target but lacked power while Cameroon showed little conviction going forward.

Van Persie was withdrawn before the hour mark with Huntelaar coming on.

Cameroon's best chance came moments later when substitute Vincent Aboubakar's clever reverse pass found Makoun - who looked offside - but the midfielder was denied by Stekelenburg with Chedjou then blasting over from the loose ball.

Cameroon was then handed a 64th-minute penalty by referee Pablo Pozo when Van der Vaart raised his arm to block Geremi's free-kick, receiving a booking for his trouble.

Captain Eto'o kept his nerve to convert a perfect spot-kick.

Van Marwijk sent on Eljero Elia for Kuyt with Robben still waiting in the wings for his first appearance of the tournament while De Jong could not properly connect with Van der Vaart's teasing free-kick.

Van Bronckhorst was then harshly booked for pulling down Aboubakar.

Stephane Mbia headed over from a set-piece before Cameroon boss Paul Le Guen made substitutions of his own, with veteran Rigobert Song getting a brief taste of his fourth World Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, Robben's strip-tease down to his playing kit excited the crowd before he came on for Van der Vaart.

He made an impact quickly, too, cutting inside and firing a trademark left-footed shot which hit the post and fell to Huntelaar to restore his side's lead.

The Arsenal forward was expected to miss Denmark's opening 2-0 loss to the Netherlands and the 2-1 victory over Cameroon, a game in which he scored, but won his battle with a groin problem on both occasions.

Now, with just 90 minutes separating the Scandinavians from a place in the next round, Bendtner continues to struggle with the injury that has plagued him for almost the entire season.

Bendtner has already been singled out as the danger-man in Rustenburg for the Asians by its coach Takeshi Okada and Olsen said: "First of all we have to see if he can play and we will decide that tomorrow.

"He has been doing quite allright. It's by necessity that every other day he does not participate in the practise.

"Every time he has played we wait to see the reaction from his injury. There's always a doubt when we have injuries like that, so we will have to wait and see."

Teammate Daniel Jensen, though, was ruled out by the Danish boss, while Simon Kjaer is suspended.

Olsen admitted he was "not nervous, but excited" ahead of the clash which his side must win to guarantee progress.

Both sides have lost to the Dutch so far but wins over Cameroon have put them on three points each, with a draw in the match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium favouring the Asians and their slightly superior goal difference.

And the Danish boss is expecting a tough encounter against a team he describes as being very similar to his.

Olsen continued: "Here we have two teams that have good qualities, who are perhaps not amongst the favourites for the World Cup.

"But these are two teams that if they use their full potential, then we can have a fair match against big teams as well.

"I'm not surprised by the way they played (against Cameroon and Holland).

"I said before the World Cup that Japan could be one of the teams that could surprise with people knowing nothing about Asian football.

"But we have followed Japan for the last half year and I've seen them play some games.

"They are fighting for each other and fighting for the country. You saw the Dutch team with all its qualities have many problems against Japan."

Olsen also admitted he will be extremely unhappy if Denmark failed to progress.

He added: "I will be very disappointed. I started by saying that we have ambitions.

"We have had problems with injuries, but think our team has such good qualities that we will continue solving the problems we have.

"So we will be disappointed, but off course we know we are up against a team with really good qualities."

Le Guen's side face the Netherlands on Thursday (Friday morning AEST) having already crashed out of the World Cup, joining hosts South Africa, Nigeria and Algeria in making early exits. Cote d'Ivoire is also all but mathematically out with one game to play.

Cameroon slipped to poor defeats at the hands of Japan and Denmark to render th Netherlands match at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium immaterial, for which Le Guen has taken the blame.

However, he was cryptic when asked why African sides have failed to rise to the occasion of the first World Cup to be held on their soil.

"There's not necessarily any logic to this but it's not a coincidence," said the Frenchman, who has maintained his silence on reports linking him with Australia after reports linked him to the soon-to-be vacant Socceroos coaching role.

Dutch coach Pim Verbeek leaves his job at the end of Australia's World Cup campaign.

Le Guen added: "You can explain why African teams are performing so badly. I'm not going to be able to explain it at length but there is a certain logic behind it, it's certainly not a coincidence."

Le Guen admits there is only pride to play for against the Netherlands.

"This is an important match for me, the stadium is going to be full, there is a TV audience, it is for image and prestige.

"We tried our best but didn't get through.

"There will be some changes to the side but it is a great game to me, a great game to be playing."

Speaking about the two defeats which eliminated the Indomitable Lions, Le Guen - who could make changes to his side - said: "I think there were various factors but first the coach must be accountable and I say that if there were errors committed, they were my fault and let's not try to blame someone else.

"I've been in charge of the team for one year and we've had victories which we enjoyed in the qualification period, but we failed in the World Cup and the coach must be held accountable.

"I'm willing to accept the blame."

Asked what errors he should blamed for, Le Guen was coy.

"I don't want to speak about that today," he said. "There were a few things but now I'm focused on the match tomorrow."

Japan needs only a draw to reach the last 16 as it has a better goal difference than Denmark, although the two sides are level at three points in Group E.

The Netherlands is already assured of advancing having won both matches in the group.

"I think it will be a very big match for both sides. To win such a big match, I think in a sense we need something beyond the team's tactics," Okada said at Japan's training base of George.

"I really want the players to fight with a solid mentality," he said.

"It would be ideal if we can overwhelm the opposition by 10 goals. But it won't be that easy. I think it's going to be a very close, fierce match."

Japan has taken heart from upsetting African powerhouse Cameroon 1-0 and then going down fighting 1-0 to the favoured Dutch side.

Denmark lost 2-0 to the Dutch but swept aside Cameroon 2-1 to knock the Africans out of contention.

Okada warned against the Danes' huge height advantage over the Samurai Blue - nearly eight centimetres between the starters in its last games.

"How to deal with their height in set plays and their long balls will be our main issues," said Okada.

"We have to be sure about how to maintain a solid defence against them."

Okada reaffirmed that young Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will be a major threat.

"I think Bendtner will be the key man in their attack. They will fight under his lead."

Van Marwijk's side has won its opening two Group E matches against Denmark and Japan to secure its place in the knockout stage ahead of an encounter with already-eliminated Cameroon.

But hardly a major championship goes by without rumours of unrest within the squad and the campaign in South Africa campaign is no different.

However, unlike France and England where disharmony appears to have adversely affected performances, Van Marwijk is confident his players are able to focus on the bigger picture.

"It is just as important to have a strong team, a team that knows what it is about and does not necessarily have to be each other's friends," he said.

"They have to respect each other's qualities. They need to be able to tell each other the truth.

"Those are usually the teams that are able to bounce back when it really matters, and I think that we are able to do that."

Van Marwijk praised the qualities of 35-year-old captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who has 101 caps and is a veteran of clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona and Feyenoord, where he is currently in his second spell.

"I've known Giovanni for a long time. I also worked with him at Feyenoord for a year and he is a really good captain - but in his own way," he said.

"He is not someone who bosses people around and yells. He is a very quiet guy who has the respect of all the players, and that is very important."

The Inter Milan striker won an historic treble of league, cup and UEFA Champions League with his club last term.

However, he admits his focus was mainly on the tournament in South Africa and Cameroon's limp showing - when so much was expected from African sides - has hit him hard.

After two defeats in two matches against Japan and Denmark, the clash with Netherlands in Cape Town will simply be a matter of pride.

"All my season was focused to be ready for this World Cup," Eto'o is quoted as saying on allafrica.com

"It's the only thing I could think about. It's hard.

"It's not normal for us to finish last."

Eto'o threatened to walk away from the squad before the tournament following criticism from Cameroon legend Roger Milla but after the defeat by Denmark, he is trying to remain positive.

"There will be other days," he said.

"Denmark played better than us in the match, it's that simple."

The winger has missed the two Group E victories with a hamstring problem so far as his team-mates breezed into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup by beating Denmark and Japan.

The Bayern Munich man seems to be nearing full fitness ahead of Friday's (AEST) dead rubber with Cameroon in Cape Town and the coach will let Robben decide himself whether he can play.

"I am going to leave him to make the decision," said Van Marwijk.

"He knows his own body best and he will let me know when he is ready.

"It can be in the next game or it can be in the knockout phase. He must take the decision.

"I'd prefer that he is used only when he is fit."

The Blue Samurai need only a point in Rustenburg to join the Netherlands, who edged out Japan 1-0 on Sunday, in qualifying for the knockout stage from Group E due to itheir goal difference, which is superior to that of the Danes.

After losing 2-0 to Holland, Denmark kept its hopes alive at the weekend with a 2-1 comeback win to eliminate Cameroon.

''We have been provided the opportunity to reach the last 16 and this is the chance of a lifetime,'' said Okada.

''Denmark gave me the impression of being a very strong, very organised outfit but we will just approach the game as we normally would."

Japan is bidding to reach the knockout stage for the second time in four consecutive World Cup appearances with the win over Cameroon representing a first finals win on foreign soil after reaching the last 16 in 2002.

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner pulled Denmark level 12 minutes before the break against Cameroon, who had taken a 10th minute lead through Samuel Eto'o, before Dennis Rommedahl struck the winner just after the hour mark in Pretoria.

"We have to cover well, pick up loose balls and make sure we cut off the supply to Bendtner," added Okada.

The Dutch tops its pool having taken maximum points in its opening two FIFA World Cup games.

Sneijder's goal earned a 1-0 win over Japan while Cameroon's 2-1 defeat to Denmark in the other group game assured the Oranje progressed to the last 16 with a game in hand.

"I think it's an excellent result," said Sneijder, who has earned man-of-the-match honours in consecutive games.

"We have done a great job.

"It doesn't matter how you play as long as you get the win.

"We have six points and we still have one match to go and we want to finish first of our group."

The Inter Milan playmaker was all the more satisfied considering the Netherlands has dominated its opening two games.

"We controlled the match against Japan," he said.

"Japan are fast and it's difficult to play football against them.

"It was a difficult match from the very beginning.

"We didn't create many opportunities in the opening half.

"What you need is a bit of luck and we ended up with that, but we should have ended up scoring two or three more goals.

"But the important thing is that we are not giving away goals."

Coach Bert van Marwijk is unlikely to make drastic changes to his line-up for the match against already-eliminated Cameroon.

"I will look at the fitness of my players and at the yellow cards we have," he said.

"But I don't plan to make major alterations."

Japan coach Takeshi Okada hopes his side can turn the page as it looks to prepare for its final group game against Denmark.

Both sides go into the encounter level on three points, with one last-16 spot up for grabs.

"We have no time to look back as we have to focus on our next match," said Okada.

"Right now my players are shocked but I have no intention of making any major modifications.

"We have to recover physically and mentally so my team will be able to play in the best way against Denmark.

"We will select the best team to face the Danes."

Okada admits his team has to make improvements if they are to progress.

"We have to be aggressive in attack," he said.

"We don't have a powerful centre-forward so we have to be quick on set plays and connect well with the ball.

"We don't count on just one player but on the team.

"Quick connections allow us to score goals."

With both sides having lost their opening Group E games, Denmark and Cameroon each knew they needed to get something out of the clash in Pretoria.

It was Cameroon who made the first breakthrough, captain Samuel Eto'o putting his side ahead in the 10th minute following a mistake by Christian Poulsen, but Denmark bounced back to take the victory thanks to goals in either half by Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl.

However, Denmark rode its luck on occasion as Cameroon pushed forward at every opportunity in a bid to avoid becoming the first team to be knocked out of the tournament, while at the other side Morten Olsen's side missed a couple of great chances to wrap the game up in the second half.

Agger, who was named man of the match, admitted it was far from the perfect display from Denmark but pointed out that getting the win was the main thing.

In a frank and honest assessment of his side's showing, Agger said: "Particularly in the first half, it was one of the worst performances we've given in a long time, our transitions were poor, we didn't cover well.

"If they'd been a bit more clinical they would have scored more goals and we would have been out of it in the first half, but to our credit we do fight.

"We tried to stand together and we scored two goals. We had other opportunities as well, but sometimes it became a bit of a kick-and-rush game, going up and down and up and down, and that's not really the way we want to play.

"But we've got three points, that's the most positive thing I can say."

Echoing the thoughts of his coach, who was not overly impressed by his team's display either, the Liverpool centre-back added: "We know it was a really bad game, especially in the first half, we didn't play like a team.

"We didn't play like we have to if we want to progress. Clearly it wasn't good enough but if you can still win playing like that it's a positive.

"We are a team, we stand together as a team, and to our credit we did comeback in the match. It didn't look too good at one point, but the positive thing is that we did fight back."

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen added: "It was disappointing but I always felt we were in the game.

"It was a brave fight in the end as we were under a bit of pressure, so overall a great win. Maybe not the prettiest game a Danish football team has ever played but I thought it was effective and that's what we needed, we needed a win."

Denmark now faces a winner-takes-all clash with Japan in Rustenburg.

With group leader Netherlands already through and Cameroon now out, it is between Denmark and Japan for the second qualifying berth.

Both teams are on three points but Japan currently holds the advantage due to its superior goal difference.

If Denmark had taken advantage of one of its chances late on against Cameroon it would be the team sitting in second spot and only needing a draw, but coach Olsen admits it was not thinking about that during the game.

"We just wanted to win this match. We had the opportunity to get the third goal but we only wanted to win, we didn't think about that during the match," Olsen said.

Cameroon knew heading into its clash with Denmark that a second successive defeat in Group E would see it become the first side to wave goodbye to any hopes of progressing through to the last 16.

The four-time African champion started perfectly in Pretoria, putting Denmark under pressure from the outset and taking a 10th-minute lead through captain Samuel Eto'o.

However, Le Guen's side could not hold onto that lead and, after failing to make the most of a number of opportunities, it ended up losing the clash 2-1 and falling out of contention for a top two place in the group.

After the match Le Guen was heavily quizzed about his role in Cameroon's demise and his future in charge of the team, but the Frenchman was keen to fight his corner.

As well as dismissing any suggestion he was going to resign, Le Guen also defended his work on the Cameroon bench.

Le Guen took over the Indomitable Lions after German coach Otto Pfister resigned a year ago following a poor start to its qualifying campaign, and the former Lyon and Rangers boss masterminded four successive wins - including two against group leader Gabon inside five days - to help the west Africans qualify.

When asked if he feared returning to Cameroon, a defensive Le Guen, whose side has now gone nine matches without a win stretching back to the Africa Cup of Nations, said: "I don't fear anything, I'm simply unhappy and sad for the Cameroonian nation.

"Taking the time from when I took on the job to today, we managed to get to the World Cup and I think that's an achievement. We did as much as we could today but we it wasn't enough.

"We've had relative success with the existing leadership, we've got to the World Cup. There have been some difficulties. After July, the management will advise further (about his future). Whilst my contract is running I will do my best for the Cameroonian football federation."

The 46-year-old former France international added: "One has to do one's job. I try to do things with commitment and I hope people respect the way I do things.

"I've been happy even though things have been difficult, I recognise that we've had a failure here at the World Cup but I've sought to do my best for the team.

"I think the team have shown a great deal of spirit but, as we are eliminated, I'm not particularly consoled in knowing that."

Le Guen insists he has no regrets about the tactics he used for Cameroon's opening fixture against Japan, a match it lost 1-0, but did concede he would have regrets about certain things in the tournament.

"I don't have any regrets (about tactics against Japan), that's not how I operate. I try to work for the best for the Cameroon national team. Either you trust me or you don't, that's the way it is," he said.

However, he did say: "I will certainly return home with regrets with regards to this evening (against Denmark), and will go home with regrets because we lost to Japan without playing particularly well.

"I have regrets for both matches, but of a different kind. I think they are legitimate regrets however. We were pretty close but we didn't get there in the end."

Eto'o opened the scoring in the 10th minute but it was not enough to deny Denmark a 2-1 Group E victory on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST) that sealed the African side's elimination after an opening loss to Japan.

"I think so," said the Inter Milan star, when asked if this was his greatest disappointment. "All my season was focused to be ready for this World Cup. It's the only thing I could think about."

That was a season that included a second consecutive Champions League crown, this one for Inter after helping Barcelona to the 2009 crown, and was to be topped by an African-record sixth trip to the World Cup by Cameroon.

Instead, the South Africa trip has brought only heartache for the not-so Indomitable Lions, which reached the 1990 quarter-finals in the best run by any African nation at the World Cup.

"It's hard. It's not normal for us to finish last," Eto'o said. "But there will be other days. They played better than us in the match. It's that simple."

Cameroon captain Eto'o, a three-time African Player of the Year who made his World Cup debut in 1998 at age 17, still hopes to rally the Lions for a solid showing against the Dutch in their final match at Cape Town on Thursday (Friday morning AEST).

"I want to finish with dignity in the last game," Eto'o said. "That is very important."

Asked who was to blame for Cameroon's horror showing, coach Paul Le Guen took full responsibility.

"Me. Only me," he said. "The team was glad to be here. They wanted to finish better. We hoped to play to our potential more than we showed."

Le Guen, who coached Lyon to three French titles, said he had no regrets even with the poor results.

"I accept criticism and opinions but I really thought about it and I have no regrets about my team selection," he said.

But Le Guen admits he will have regrets over the World Cup losses, especially after three line-up changes failed to prove enough to grab Cameroon a victory.

"I will have regrets for tonight because we weren't clinical. I will have regret because we lost to Japan without playing well," he said.

"I have regrets from both games but for different reasons. The match we played tonight, we weren't far away. We were very close but we didn't make it. It's a big disappointment. We didn't finish off our chances."

As a result, the Lions are truly finished for this World Cup title hunt.

"I'm very sad for the Cameroon people," Le Guen said. "We can look at the time I took over to now - we're out but we got to the World Cup.

"I worked for the good of the team. It wasn't enough."

In the battle between the bottom two teams in Group E, Denmark came out on top in a hugely entertaining encounter in Pretoria after fighting back from an early deficit to win 2-1.

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o put his side ahead in the 10th minute but Denmark drew level thanks to Nicklas Bendtner in the 33rd minute before snatching the win through the impressive Dennis Rommedahl just after the hour mark.

The result means Denmark now faces a winner-takes-all encounter with Japan in its final match to join group leaders the Netherlands in the last 16, while Cameroon now has no chance of getting into the knockout stages.

Olsen had mixed emotions after the match, praising his injury-hit side's battling qualities but also lamenting the amount of mistakes made during the encounter.

The most obvious error was the one committed by experienced midfielder Christian Poulsen which led to Eto'o's opening goal.

"We had far too many elementary mistakes that we made and we can't allow that from our players," Olsen said.

"We must correct that, so I wasn't happy actually. Of course the players fought heroically, some of them didn't play well today I have to say, but they fought.

"We had Nicklas Bendtner, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Daniel Jensen on the pitch, and those players haven't played much.

"But that's the way it is, that's why we had to fight so much. We had nothing more to offer, we have too many players who are injured or have been injured.

"So in that respect it was a heroic physical effort, but if we want to progress in this tournament we have a lot to work on. We know that very well."

Denmark, which lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in their opening match, was on the back foot straight away as Cameroon started well.

Despite that though, it was the Scandinavians who had the first real chance when Rommedahl blazed over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.

Soon after that, Denmark found itself behind when Poulsen's poor pass was intercepted and immediately resulted in Eto'o firing Cameroon in front.

Olsen added: "We actually didn't start very well, we had one good chance through Rommedahl and, and just after that we made an individual mistake and they scored.

"But we showed spirit, we got back in the game, we showed that we wanted to win.

"We showed things today that we don't want to do again, that's for sure, that we need to talk to the players about over the next couple of days.

"But we did have a number of chances. Compared to the game with Holland there were more chances.

"We had a heroic fight in defence, but there were other problems as well. It was difficult to get the ball off the opponents and we need to improve on going forward as well."

While Denmark now looks forward to its crucial showdown with Japan, Cameroon knows its World Cup will come to an end with its match against the Dutch.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen faced questions about his future after the game, but insisted he would not be stepping down.

"I will not resign but you have given your view and I respect that," the Frenchman when asked if he felt he had been tactically out-thought by his counterparts in the tournament.

Regarding his side's defeat and early exit from the tournament, Le Guen added: "It's a great disappointment, we had high hopes, but I think this match shows that we were not really effective enough.

"We were not able to take the big opportunities we had in the first half and it's a serious disappointment for both us and the Cameroonian nation as a whole."

In what was a hugely entertaining encounter between the bottom two teams in Group E in Pretoria, Cameroon took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.

Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.

The result means that Denmark joins its next opponent Japan on three points, while group leaders the Netherlands is now guaranteed a top-two finish - making it the first team to progress.

For battling Cameroon though, the defeat sees it become the first side to bid farewell to the World Cup after losing both its opening two games.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen made two changes to the side that lost to the Netherlands, bringing in fit-again captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer.

Bendtner also took his place in the starting line-up for the second successive game despite struggling with a groin injury that means he can only train every other day and only having lasted an hour against the Dutch.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, drafted in Geremi, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song as the Indomitable Lions sought to end an eight-game winless streak stretching back to the African Nations Cup.

Denmark, which had lost its previous three games without scoring a goal, had the first opportunity but Rommedahl fired over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.

The Ajax winger should have done better with that, and four minutes later Eto'o showed him how it should be done by putting Cameroon ahead following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.

Poulsen picked up possession from his goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the edge of the box and then attempted to find Simon Kjaer with a first-time pass without looking up.

The pass was intercepted by Emana, who quickly picked out the unmarked Eto'o in the middle and the Inter Milan star took one touch before drilling a low shot past Sorensen.

That was another bad goal for the Danes to concede following the own goal by Daniel Agger against the Netherlands, when Simon Poulsen's attempted headed clearance hit the Liverpool defender before going in.

The Danes were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark at Loftus Versfeld stadium, though.

Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou had done well to deny Tomasson earlier but he could do nothing about the equaliser as his defence were cut open far too easily.

A superb long ball from inside his own half by Kjaer just cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto and fell perfectly for the flying Rommedahl, and his low ball into the centre was slid home by Bendtner from eight yards.

Both sides had chances to snatch the lead during a hectic spell just prior to half-time.

For Denmark, Rommedahl could not take advantage of getting clear once again before, from the same attack, Tomasson saw a goal-bound shot blocked.

Then for Cameroon, Eto'o fired against the post following another defensive mistake, while Emana was denied by Sorensen after bursting through the two Danish centre-backs.

The all-action encounter continued apace at the start of the second half when Stephane M'bia and Kjaer both brought fingertip saves out of their opposing goalkeepers.

Cameroon striker Pierre Webo then blazed a decent opening high into the stands before also being denied by Sorensen as the African side looked to be taking control.

However, it was Denmark who got the next goal through the dangerous Rommedahl in the 61st minute.

Bendtner's pass put Rommedahl away down the right and the 31-year-old cut inside Jean Makoun before curling a low left-footed shot past Hamidou. That left Cameroon staring World Cup elimination in the face, and they almost fell 3-1 behind in the 71st minute, Hamidou coming to their rescue to superbly keep out Tomasson's effort.

Sorensen then produced an even better save six minutes later, diving low to his right to parry away Emana's shot.

Cameroon laid siege to Sorensen's goal in the closing stages, butit could find no way through as Denmark held on for the points.

Okada urged his players to guard secret strategies in the wake of Japan's 1-0 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday (Saturday evening AEST).

He did not elaborate on the source of the leaks but indicated that players had been too forthcoming in their comments to Japanese journalists.

"Details of closed training have been revealed and I think that was unfortunate," the 53-year-old Okada said. "I would like to again caution the players on this point."

Okada said set-piece strategies are crucial to Japan's success in its last group match against Denmark.

"We are lacking that quick forward, but we never count on a single player. We score as a team," Okada said. "Goal scorers can be enabled in various ways. We have to stay strong in defense and midfield, and we have to connect the passes better in midfield."

After losing all four of its warm-up matches, Japan won its World Cup opener 1-0 over the favoured Cameroon. Keisuke Honda provided Japan's only goal so far, chipping in a cross from Daisuke Matsui against Cameroon.

On Saturday (Saturday evening AEST), Okada made no changes to the starting line-up to take on the Dutch. He praised the role played by former Celtic set-piece specialist Shunsuke Nakamura, who was benched for the opening match but who came on for Matsui in the 64th minute. It could signal a return to favour for the skillful midfielder who turns 32 next week.

Wesley Sneijder's solitary goal was the difference between the two sides in their second Group E match.

The Inter Milan star had fortune on his side with his stinging drive parried by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into his own net.

"I would love to win playing beautiful football but you have to deal with a rival that also wants to win," said Van Marwijk.

"I think we played a match that was perhaps not as attractive as our previous games but it's not easy to play matches here and I think we deserved the win."

The Blue Samurai frustrated Netherlands, which had just one shot on goal in the opening half despite dominating possession.

"At this level, you see that no match is straightforward as has also been the case for other teams like England and Spain," said Van Marwijk.

"Of course, we want to win playing great football but the important thing is that we learn to win ugly games.

"Japan were very confident heading into this match and I knew beforehand that this was going to be a hard game.

"In the first half, we went for depth but we didn't get the ball to our forwards.

"At half-time I told my players they had to be careful.

"We needed to speed up our game and be opportunistic.

"I believe we did that in the second half."

Van Marwijk's side tops Group E and is on the verge of clinching qualification to the last 16.

"The important thing is that we have two wins out of two from our group so far," he said. "We have shown stability and we haven't given away a goal, which is important."

Japan coach Takeshi Okada refused to blame Kawashima for his part in the Dutch goal.

"Sneijder's goal was a good strike," he said. "It was a powerful shot.

"But that was the difference between the two sides."

Okada, whose side beat Cameroon in its World Cup opener, was nevertheless pleased with his team's effort.

"We played against a strong team and we wanted to have taken at least a point in this game," he said.

"But my players did the best they could and we feel sorry for our fans.

"During the first half we frustrated Holland and I told my players to be courageous and aggressive when we have the ball.

"That is what they did.

"But we weren't able to deliver the finishing touch."

After a frustrating opening half for the Dutch side, it finally broke through in the 53rd minute with Sneijder's stinging drive deflected by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into his own net.

Japan had the best chance to level the score a minute from time but an unmarked substitute Shinji Okazaki fired over the bar from just 10 yards as Netherlands held on for victory.

The result handed the Oranje maximum points from its opening two fixtures in Group E.

The Oranje, who had a sea of supporters at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, dominated possession but had just one shot on goal in the opening half.

Rafael van der Vaart's 25-yard shot towards the near post proved an easy save for Kawashima.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk fielded the same line-up that beat Denmark 2-0 in its group opener, with Van der Vaart, Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt playing in support of forward Robin Van Persie.

Netherlands dominated the early exchanges and created the first chance after four minutes when Van Persie's teasing cross from the left flashed across the goal and just eluded Liverpool striker Kuyt.

Shortly after, Sneijder's curled free-kick went over the bar.

At the other end, Yuto Nagatomo's right-footed strike from the edge of the area went wide.

On the half-hour mark, Yuji Nakazawa did well to clear Giovanni van Bronckhorst's cross from the right with Van Persie waiting inside the area.

Soon after, Keisuke Honda nodded high from Daisuke Matsui's free-kick. Tulio Nataka then latched onto Yasushito Endo's free-kick and his header went wide as Japan got closer.

Japan first tested Maarten Stekelenburg in the 37th minute, with Matsui's volley forcing a save from the goalkeeper.

Five minutes before the break, Honda wasted a good chance when he fired a 40-yard strike way over the bar.

Netherlands pressed forward more aggressively after the break and Van Persie twice had the chance to break the deadlock.

His weak header from Van Bronckhorst's cross proved an easy save for Kawashima and seconds later, the Arsenal striker fired wide from 15 yards.

Netherlands took the lead soon after. A poor headed clearance from Japan's defence fell to Van Persie who spotted Sneijder and the Inter Milan winger's powerful strike came off Kawashima and into the back of the net.

Japan reacted and Yoshito Okubo forced a good save from Stekelenburg with a stinging drive from 25 yards. Shortly after, Okubo fired over the bar as the Blue Samurai surged for the equaliser.

With 15 minutes remaining, the ever-present Okubo shot wide of the far post as another opportunity went by for Japan.

Substitute Ibrahim Afellay twice had the chance to put the game beyond Japan's reach in the latter stages of the match but his close-range efforts were denied by Kawashima.

With seconds left to play, Okazaki struck wide from close-range, much to the relief of the Dutch fans.

Having each lost the opening matches in Group E, Cameroon and Denmark know that its World Cup futures could depend on what it does at Loftus Versfeld stadium, with another defeat potentially seeing that nation knocked out.

That will depend on what happens in the earlier match between group leaders Holland and Japan, but regardless of the result in that game, captain Eto'o is demanding 100% from both himself and his Cameroon side against the Danes.

"I will give my very best for my country, for the country that I love. We are playing an extremely important match. We mustn't have any regrets, I hope that we will be able to say we gave our absolute best. That is how we must approach the match," said Eto'o.

"I know if we give everything we can, then Cameroon are in a position to win."

The Inter Milan forward was also keen to quash any talk of quarrels and in-fighting in the Cameroon camp.

Speaking unprompted at the end of last night's pre-match press conference, the prolific goalscorer said: "I just want to say one thing. We've never had a fight in the national team. I'm one of the people who knows these things, and there's never been a fight within the Cameroonian team.

"I just wanted to put to bed any possible rumours that might have been running around."

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen revealed he would be bringing three new faces into his starting line-up for tonight's clash with respect to their 1-0 defeat to Japan on Monday.

"We weren't good enough. We're disappointed, and quite legitimately so, and we need to take stock of that," Frenchman Le Guen said.

"I do my job as a coach and as a selector and I'm fully aware of the responsibilities that I have. I'm not going to be stubborn and if I think things need to be changed, then I'm going to change them."

Denmark coach Morten Olsen was giving nothing away about his possible line-up - including the health of key striker Nicklas Bendtner, who has been struggling with a groin injury but, according to his manager, has performed "miracles" to get back to near full fitness.

The Arsenal forward was a surprise starter in Monday's 2-0 defeat to Holland and played an hour, but he has only been able to train every other day and it remains to be seen what his role tonight might be.

"We'll see if he can play, I'm not putting out any smokescreen, I don't know," said Olsen.

"Nicklas Bendtner and all our medical team have done a wonderful job, it's a miracle actually that he can play, at least to a certain extent.

"He's important but he's part of a team. If he cannot play then we'll have to play in a different way. We've won matches without him before and we can do it again."

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, meanwhile, insists not too much should be read into their opening performance against Holland.

"We've only just started, ask me again after the final," he joked.

"I think we have a good team, there were so many good things from the first match and things to improve on, but we've only just started.

"There are good opportunities for us in this match, I believe that. We've been working towards this game, the match against the Dutch is in the past and we have to look to this game. We have to be positive."

Winger Arjen Robben completed a full training session for the first time since recovering from a left hamstring injury, but is unlikely to start in the Group E match. The Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0 in its opening game, helped by an own goal, and some players are talking up the team's chances of winning the tournament.

"We just have to deliver this World Cup," midfielder Nigel de Jong said. "We have got enough quality to do it."

Robben flew out late to join the team after picking up the hamstring injury in a June 5 friendly against Hungary.

Robben also said the Netherlands has a chance to break its World Cup curse in South Africa. Two-time runners up, the Netherlands placed fourth in 1998 and the team has been viewed as underachievers on the world stage for the past 35 years.

"There are a lot of big teams at the World Cup with a lot of quality," Robben told FIFA.com. "But we have a very good group of players and we can accomplish something at this World Cup."

Bert van Marwijk's side blitzed though qualification, winning all eight matches, with 17 goals scored and two conceded. The team kept its winning run through friendly games against the United States and Mexico, before a 4-1 win over Ghana on June 1 and the 6-1 rout of Hungary days later.

In Durban, the Netherlands faces a Japan team buoyed by a 1-0 win over Cameroon, following a string of losses in warm-up matches.

Japan and the Netherlands have only met once, with the Dutch winning 3-0 in a friendly nine months ago.

Van Marwijk said he expects Saturday's game to be very different.

"I expect a very aggressive Japan and we're prepared for anything and everything," he said after a team training session Friday.

"You can't compare this to a friendly game ... It's an important match, and it'll be a tougher fight. Both teams want to win this."

He refused to be comment on the Netherlands' prospects at the tournament, saying only, "There's a long road ahead of us. I think everyone realises that."

Japan coach Takeshi Okada said the friendly defeat was a "turning point" for the team.

"We hardly had opportunities to play against world class teams," he said. "So that match ... allowed us to understand what were the advantages on our side and disadvantages - what worked on our side and vice versa."

But Japan is aware that the Netherlands has strengthened its team since last year.

"They gained in terms of maturity," Okada said. "They improved overall as a team."

Striker Dirk Kuyt, who scored the Netherlands' second goal against Denmark, praised Japan as a tough opponent.

"It'll be a big game tomorrow (Saturday) and we are looking forward to it," he said. "I think they did a great job. The first game at the World Cup is not easy and to get that result is great for them."

Captain Makoto Hasabe said Japan aimed to increase its intensity going forward against the Netherlands, while staying strong at the back.

"The defence during our match against Cameroon was very stable and now the challenge for us ... is to be more aggressive in terms of attack," he said.

Okada benched Shunsuke Nakamura in the game against Cameroon, but that gamble paid off when Keisuke Honda scored the game's only goal in the 39th minute.

Honda played as the lone forward for a team that has had difficultly finding a reliable goal scorer.

Okada praised his players after their opening win, but has remained tightlipped about his plans for Saturday's match.

"Our players did very well despite the extra pressure they faced in our first game at the tournament," Okada said.

Whereas Cameroon counterpart Paul Le Guen revealed he would be making three changes to the Indomitable Lions side that started in its 1-0 defeat to Japan and also hinted at further tinkering, Olsen refused to reveal anything about his thinking.

"I'm not going to say anything about that," said Olsen, who was also heavily quizzed at about the health of Bendtner.

The Arsenal striker was expected to miss Denmark's opening match against the Netherlands with a groin problem, but he was a surprise starter in the 2-0 defeat and lasted an hour before being replaced by Mikkel Beckmann.

Asked if the 22-year-old would be fit to face Cameroon in the battle of the bottom two sides in Group E, Olsen said: "We'll see tomorrow if he can play, I'm not putting out any smokescreen, I don't know.

"Nicklas Bendtner and all our medical team have done a wonderful job, it's a miracle actually that he can play, at least to a certain extent.

"But we have to be controlled and very cautious with what we can do with him in training, he's only only training every other day and I think that will be the same going forward.

"That's the program we have for Nicklas Bendtner and we can live with that. He can only train every other day, so that's what we have to do in order to allow him to play."

Olsen did admit that the towering striker was a vital player for the Scandinavians, but was adamant he had other options in case Bendtner was not available.

He also insisted Denmark could still be victorious without the Gunners forward.

"We've won matches without him before and we can do it again," said Olsen.

"He's important but he's part of a team. If he cannot play then we'll have to play in a different way.

"I believe that every player is important in one way or another. It's quite clear that Bendtner, for instance, is very important for us. I think we've seen that.

"He wasn't 100% fit against Holland, he only played 60 mins, he couldn't play 90. Perhaps he can play 90 minutes tomorrow, I don't know. But he is important for us."

Neither nation were able to pick up anything from their opening Group E matches, with Cameroon going down 1-0 to Japan and Denmark suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands.

That means another loss for either side at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld stadium could spell the end of the road for the losers, depending on what happens in the earlier match between the two group leaders.

For Cameroon, with group favourite Netherlands to come in its final match, the Denmark game is potentially decisive and Le Guen wants his team - nicknamed the Indomitable Lions - to stand up and be counted.

"I think they (the players) need to face up to their responsibilities.

"I assume my own responsibilities 100% without any reservations, I put the team together, I decide on tactics, but the players also have their responsibilities and they have to find a spirit," said Frenchman Le Guen.

"We often talk about them being lions and having a leonine spirit, and I hope very much that they find this spirit in the match tomorrow.

"That's something we've been discussing since we played Japan because there were certain players who underperformed, especially compared to how they played in previous matches, but I think we need to find this very specific spirit, this leonine spirit, which I hope will enable us to get a result.

"I think we had it in the autumn, there was a dynamic and an atmosphere in the team, and we need to make sure the same atmosphere prevails tomorrow."

Le Guen also revealed he would be making at least three changes to the team that took the field against Japan, describing their performance in that match as disappointing and not good enough.

Le Guen opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation against Japan but then saw Cameroon struggle to create many opportunities aside from Stephane Mbia's late effort that hit the bar.

"We weren't good enough, we weren't as good as we could have been. We're disappointed, and quite legitimately so, and we need to take stock of that," he said.

"I will make a few changes, there will be three new players in the starting line-up, and there will perhaps be one or two changes elsewhere.

"I do my job as a coach and as a selector and I'm fully aware of the responsibilities that I have. I obviously have some guidelines but I'm not going to be stubborn and if I think if things need to be changed, then I'm going to change them."

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk admitted he did not recognise Okada the last time they met at the FIFA draw and mistook him for a federation executive.

"I am not close to Van Marwijk," Okada said. "I don't know him well.

"We have not been rivals in the past and this is not a personal match.

"I cannot pronounce properly the Dutch coach's surname but by that I don't mean any disrespect."

Okada showered Netherlands with praise but believes the Dutch can be beaten.

"Tomorrow we will be playing against a wonderful team, which is one of the favourites for the title," he said. "We are very happy to play this game.

"We realise this is a sophisticated team but we believe we have a chance to win tomorrow.

"We shouldn't feel small even though Holland have great name players in the team.

"We want to address this challenge with the overall power of this team."

Okada has reason to be upbeat as his side go into the game with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in its World Cup opener.

"That win has given us a big boost in confidence," he said. "The players are focusing on playing with the same determination tomorrow."

Okada has not ruled out making tactical changes to the side that beat Cameroon.

"Our style of play will depend on how our rivals play against us," he said.

"What matters is the result, how we play is secondary.

"However, aggressive, hard work on attack and defence will be constant, we will never modify that strategy."

Japan know what to expect having met Netherlands in a friendly last September where the Dutch were frustrated for more than an hour before eventually winning 3-0.

"Last September, we had an opportunity to play against the Dutch and that was a big turning point for us," Okada added. "We hardly had opportunities before to play against world-class teams.

"That match led us to understand what the positives and negatives were on our team.

"We have been observing Holland since then and they have gained further maturity and improved as a team.

"We now have a Japanese style of playing although it doesn't mean that in terms of technique or skills, there has been an improvement.

"But we have been focusing on our strategy to beat the world-class teams."

Okada admitted he would be happy if his team went into the second half drawing 0-0.

"That would be satisfactory but what would even be greater would be to be leading at that point," he said.

The Dutch face Japan on Saturday evening (AEST) in Durban on the back of a 2-0 win against Denmark in its opening World Cup Group E match.

The Dutch were frustrated by Japan for over an hour before beating the Blue Samurai 3-0 back in September.

"This is going to be a tougher fight," said Van Marwijk.

"Both teams want to win and both sides won their first match.

"We cannot compare that game to this one.

"I expect a very aggressive Japan and we are prepared for everything and anything."

Van Marwijk believes Japan has improved since then and that was evident in the 1-0 triumph over Cameroon in its World Cup opener.

"They have progressed a lot," he said.

"They have been together for a long time and have played lots of matches.

"They have been looking for some time to find a style of play which they didn't have in qualifying.

"But they appear to have found that style.

"I have a lot of respect for the Japan coach and his team and we will not be underestimating them."

Van Marwijk believes the Oranje must focus on itself and not on its rivals.

"People who know me know that I concentrate on my team and I don't make adjustments based on our rivals," he said. "We have to play the way we know how and make the most of our chances."

The Oranje will have plenty of support in Durban with thousands of fans having travelled to South Africa while there is plenty of optimism back home regarding the team's chances to go far in the tournament.

"We hear a lot about the atmosphere back in Holland and this is great," said Van Marwijk. "We also have lots of fans here and it's wonderful that they have travelled such a long way to support us.

"But we have a long way to go and the most important thing is tomorrow's match."

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben trained with the team for the first time on Friday after sitting out the match against Denmark with a hamstring injury.

Whether Robben will be given playing time tomorrow, remains to be seen.

"It's quite something that he trained with us today," said Van Marwijk.

"But we have to wait and see how he responds tomorrow."

Netherlands striker Dirk Kuyt, who scored his team's second against Denmark, is set to start against Japan.

The Liverpool striker is looking forward to adding to his goal tally.

"Tomorrow we are going to win," he said. "We know they are a strong side and the last time we faced them, they made us work hard, especially in the first half.

"But lots of players eat sushi in our team and we hope we will have them for dinner tomorrow."

Poulsen headed a clearance into the back of team-mate Daniel Agger and it bounced past goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen to break the deadlock.

The defender has been forgiven by his team-mates but that has not helped him much in the intervening period.

"I have thought about it a thousand times," said Poulsen.

"Of course, I have tried to think about all the positive moments in the match, and I think the team and myself played a good first half.

"Yet the [own] goal keeps coming back.

"I have seen it on TV, and it's really unfortunate."

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner did not take part in the team's training session on Thursday, remaining at the squad's hotel for physiotherapy.

Bendtner was replaced after an hour of the Netherlands defeat with a groin injury.

Cameroon slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Japan in Bloemfontein, going down to a Keisuke Honda goal, and the Indomitable Lions knows it can ill afford a repeat against Denmark in Pretoria if it is to avoid an early exit.

Hamidou is optimistic of better times ahead, though, saying on www.camfoot.com: "I think in the next game we'll see the real Cameroon.

"We could've beaten Japan, but unfortunately we didn't. We tried everything at the end but that's the way football goes.

"Now we must start well against Denmark and give everything to get all three points."

Denmark also lost its opening match in Group E, suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in Johannesburg.

The Dutch face Japan on the back of a good win against Denmark in its opening Group E match.

Bayern Munich winger Robben, building up his fitness after a hamstring injury, told fifa.com: "The expectations are high.

"You go to the World Cup to win the title but you have to be realistic and know that it is very hard.

"There are a lot of big teams with a lot of quality. But we have a very good group of players and can accomplish something at this World Cup."

Robben is pleased to be working under coach Bert van Marwijk, adding: "He has been very clear from the beginning about what he wants from this group of players.

"He is a coach who can communicate in a very calm manner. He keeps the peace in the team and those are good characteristics."

Takeshi Okada's side secured its first World Cup win on foreign soil on Tuesday (AEST) as Keisuke Honda struck in a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.

The Netherlands also won its opener with a 2-0 defeat of Denmark and a win for either side in Durban will put it in pole position to progress to the knockout stage.

Japan has never gone further than the group stage outside its own country but Abe believes the Blue Samurai stand a good chance of victory on Sunday if they can successfully frustrate the Dutch.

"The Dutch themselves think their strength lies in attack so what we need to do is try to wind them up and frustrate them," said the Urawa Reds midfielder.

"(Wesley) Sneijder will be putting himself all over the place looking to get hold of the ball. There are other good players on their team as well and it will be difficult to keep tabs on all of them so we will have to be on our guard."

Keisuke Honda's goal was the difference between the sides and leaves Paul Le Guen's men with an uphill struggle to reach the last 16.

But Lyon midfielder Makoun believes the Indomitable Lions can put things right in the next game against Denmark.

He told camfoot.com: "We lost a game but we must not let our heads drop, we will discuss what happened and correct some things. We especially need to make a better start to the match against Denmark.

"We do have an obstacle to overcome but fortunately we are playing another team who lost their opening match."

A group of women wearing orange mini-dresses, linked to a promotional campaign being run by Bavaria Beer, were ejected from Soccer City stadium after their actions were deemed to be part of a stunt to promote the brand, which is not licensed by FIFA.

ITV has sacked pundit Robbie Earle after tickets given to him which were intended for his friends and family found their way into the hands of the women.

FIFA head of media Nicolas Maingot said: "FIFA has filed charges against the organisers of the ambush marketing stunt pulled during the Netherlands v Denmark match at Soccer City two days ago.

"No charges have been brought against the young women used in this illicit activity. The matter is now under criminal investigation and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is proceeding as per the normal legislation."

Earle said earlier: "I have absolutely no connection with any marketing ambush agency and have not profited in any way from these tickets."

Two Dutch women were arrested in relation to the alleged marketing stunt.

A South African Police Service spokesman said the women have been charged under the Merchandise Marks Act and under two sections of the Special Measures Act and will appear in court in Johannesburg.

Senior Superintendent Vish Naidoo said the women were arrested at 8.45am, local time.

He said he could not give any further details until the women had appeared in court.

Earle was sacked from his ITV role after the broadcaster revealed a block of tickets had found their way into the hands of a 'third party'.

"Further inquiries have revealed that a substantial number of tickets allocated to Robbie Earle for family and friends have been passed to a third party in breach of FIFA rules," an ITV statement read.

"As a result, Robbie Earle's contract with ITV has been terminated with immediate effect.''

SAPS confirmed that two of the women at the match were arrested but no charges have been made against them.

Japan had lost all four warm-up matches before being held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in a hastily-arranged final friendly last week.

But Keisuke Honda's first-half strike handed Japan a first World Cup win on foreign soil, as well as a first victory in its opening game at a finals.

''We got what we needed to get done against Cameroon and were able to deal with their long balls and got to the second ball first. We got our goal and everyone stayed totally focused,'' Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Inamoto, who came on as a late substitute, told Kyodo News.

''It was our first win after losing four on the spin and that has strengthened our sense of togetherness.

"To win our opening game at the World Cup for the first time is massive, and this has given us a little room to breathe for our next two matches."

Takeshi Okada's side next faces the Netherlands in Durban before rounding off its Group E campaign against Denmark.

''I think that the Denmark game will be our hardest match. They have got a lot of players who are very gifted physically," added Inamoto, who played for Arsenal and Fulham earlier in his career.

''They are probably going to play a long ball game, the type of game that Japan hates. Stopping them playing the long ball will be crucial and when they do hit their passes long we need to be quick to react and cover.

''I don't think Holland will resort to a long ball game and we have to look at how we can hit them on the break.''

The Cameroon defence failed to cut out Daisuke Matsui's cross to the back post in the 39th minute and Honda reacted quickly.

The CSKA Moscow midfielder produced a superb first touch before clipping the ball beyond stranded goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou.

Japan then defended resolutely to regain that winning mentality after a run of five warm-up matches without a victory.

Honda's career is on an upward curve as he joined CSKA at the turn of the year from Dutch club VVV Venlo and helped the Russian club reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

He said: "This goal was a nice birthday present for me. I am so happy now and there is a great atmosphere in the team.

"We were able to stop Cameroon's attacking players and I think that was why we were able to get a good result.

"We had confidence before the game. Of course we played badly in the friendly matches but we didn't mind about this because they were not so important. We were only concentrating on today."

The closest Cameroon came to finding the target arrived five minutes from time when Stephane Mbia's effort hit the bar.

With the talismanic Samuel Eto'o tightly marked it was a frustrating afternoon for one of Africa's brightest hopes..

Coach Paul Le Guen's aim going into the tournament was to try and emulate the team of 1990 that reached the quarter-finals.

However, with Group E rivals Holland winning earlier in the day in the group, his side face an uphill struggle.

Le Guen said: "Of course I am upset that we have lost the game but our attitude was wrong.

"We were tense and nervous, especially in the first half. We did not show what we are capable of. We were not at our level and kept losing possession.

"It now means we have to win our next game against Denmark. I hope we recover well and go on and do our best."

In contrast Japan coach Takeshi Okada could afford a wry smile after the game.

He said: "We knew Cameroon would be physically strong and so it proved. But my players had a strong motivation to do well.

"They asked me before the match if they could stand with shoulders linked at the national anthem. I thought it was a good idea."

The Dutch opened their campaign in South Africa with a 2-0 victory over Denmark in Johannesburg.

It was not the most convincing of performances from the Oranje, who had to rely on a Daniel Agger own goal to break the deadlock seconds after the second half began.

Substitute Eljero Elia, who looked lively from the moment he was introduced, then set up the second five minutes from full-time to wrap up the win.

And Sneijder thought the result reflected the mark of a good team - one that is able to win under any circumstances.

"Of course we didn't play that well today, but we won, 2-0," he said. "I think the win is the most important thing.

"Let's not forget that these Danes in the first half did an excellent job because they studied us very thoroughly.

"But we improved a lot in the second half and got the result. So we are satisfied."

The Inter Milan midfielder also hailed the quality of players Bert van Marwijk's side had on the bench, with the injured Arjen Robben and the likes of Klaas Jan Huntelaar not even featuring at Soccer City.

He added: "I think in the second half we did very well, by running, beating players and showing our creativity.

"Also on the bench we have some fantastic players, who can come in and really make the difference.

"They have creativity and good ability. At some point in the second half, we saw that.

"We had a player that came on and made a difference."

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen felt his side showed what they were capable off against a formidable Dutch side.

"They're a good team, but we made them not as good as what people thought they were," he said.

The Stoke goalkeeper also predicted that their fellow Europeans, who are amongst the pre-tournament favourites, had a good chance of success in South Africa.

He added: "I don't think they play badly. I'm sure they'll go far.

"They have the players and you can see the quality they have coming off the bench as well. They have a good squad, so they should be among the contenders."

FIFA's Technical Study Group of coaching experts made the amendment after studying game footage to decide which defender had the final touch to direct the ball into the Danish net.

Poulsen tried to head a cross from Dutch forward Robin van Persie to safety, but the ball glanced off Agger's back before beating goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

The Dutch went on to win 2-0 at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium in the Group E opening match on Monday (Monday evening AEST).

Coach Bert van Marwijk says Vorm left for the airport right after the Oranje's 2-0 win over Denmark at Soccer City.

Van Marwijk says he had already decided to send Vorm home but didn't tell him until after Monday's (Monday evening AEST) match.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper became the father to a baby boy over the weekend.

Van Marwijk says Vorm will stay with his family for a few days and be back training with the team in South Africa on Thursday.

The Dutch play Group E rival Japan in Durban on Saturday (Sunday AEST).

A goal from Keisuke Honda in the 39th minute proved the difference between the sides at the Free State Stadium.

Le Guen had opted for an adventurous 4-3-3 formation but his side struggled to create any meaningful opportunities and could not break down a resolute Japan defence.

The closest it came to finding the target came five minutes from time when Stephane Mbia's effort hit the bar, and with the talismanic Samuel Eto'o tightly marked it was a frustrating afternoon for the African side.

Le Guen's aim going into the tournament had been to try and emulate the team of 1990 that reached the quarter-finals.

However, with The Netherlands winning earlier in the day in the group, his side faces an uphill struggle.

Le Guen said: "Of course I am upset that we have lost the game but our attitude was wrong.

"We were tense and nervous, especially in the first half. We did not show what we are capable of. We were not at our level and kept losing possession."

Japan's goal came as the result of poor defending when Cameroon failed to cut out a cross from Daisuke Matsui.

Honda reacted quickly at the back post to finish well and Le Guen said: "My players were wrongly positioned."

It was little wonder the CSKA Moscow midfielder enjoyed the moment as he celebrated his 24th birthday 24 hours earlier.

Honda's star is rising as he sealed a move to Russia at the turn of the year after playing for modest Dutch side VVV Venlo and he helped CSKA reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Honda said: "I had to stay calm when the ball came to me as we have missed chances in recent games.

"It is not just about me, however, we defended well. Our team has not had good results but we got it right when it mattered."

Japan arrived in South Africa without a win in five warm-up matches, scoring only one goal.

But coach Takeshi Okada could afford a wry smile after the game.

He said: "We knew Cameroon would be physically strong and so it proved. But my players had a strong motivation to do well.

"They asked me before the match if they could stand with shoulders linked at the national anthem. I thought it was a good idea."

A second half own goal by Daniel Agger and a late Dirk Kuyt effort was enough for the highly-fancied Dutch, but it was not all plain sailing in Johannesburg.

The Oranje struggled to create openings in the first period, before the goal came from an unlikely source to break the Danish resistance.

The Dutch eventually held on for a good start to Group E, that also includes Japan and Cameroon, and for its coach it was just reward after years of planning.

"I've been thinking about this first game for a long, long time," he said.

"I've always said that this was the most important match because a good beginning to a world championship is so important.

"It's always a tough match. Today, as you could see, there was a bit of tension with the players. It was difficult, but we won, which is the most important thing."

Van Marwijk, whose side always flatter to deceive at major global events, struggled through the first 45 minutes and looked short of ideas without the injured Arjen Robben.

But it looked a changed team after the break.

The coach said: "Beforehand, I think we were the favourites, so you know you're going to face a very defensive opponent.

"That means that in your build-up, you cannot afford to make many mistakes. But we played well, we didn't give away too many opportunities and all the players should be complimented for that.

"I think we made a reasonably good impression and that we never panicked, not for one moment.

"In the end, we are really pleased with this win."

Opposite number Morten Olsen paid tribute to the Dutch, but admitted that things could have been different had it not conceded a goal so early on in the second half.

He said: "It was a deserved victory, I think. The Dutch team is perhaps not the favourite, but certainly an outsider to win the World Cup.

"It could have been different if we didn't have the thing that happened a few seconds into the second half, but that's the kind of thing that decides football matches - the first goal and we know that.

"Obviously now the Dutch were in the position they really liked. They would have enjoyed the second half much more, that's for sure."

But he paid tribute to his team, saying: "What I would like to say about my own team is that they put in a good effort.

"We were well positioned in the pitch during the first half, not so much in the second half."

Olsen also shed light on his decision to field Nicklas Bendtner, less than 24 hours after insisting the Arsenal striker "cannot play" due to injury.

He added: "We had to take some chances in this match and I was not bluffing when I said Nicklas Bendtner was not going to play.

"He wasn't going to play. Then yesterday we had new injuries from Jon Dahl Tomasson and Daniel Jensen. We didn't have the same number of offensive players, so we had to take the risk."

The CSKA Moscow attacker, 24 on Sunday, got the all-important goal after 39 minutes of the Group E match at the Free State Stadium.

It meant a long-awaited victory for coach Takeshi Okada, who had seen his side lose four and draw one of its warm-up matches, scoring only one goal in the process.

He had claimed before the game, however, he was not worried about Japan's poor form going into the competition.

While Okada opted for a lone striker in Yoshito Okubo, his Cameroon counterpart Paul Le Guen decided on an adventurous 4-3-3 formation.

Despite being one of Africa's brightest hopes Cameroon was toothless, despite having a great deal of possession, although goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima made a breathtaking save from substitute Mohamadou Idrissou in stoppage time.

Much was expected of skipper Samuel Eto'o but the Inter Milan striker was left frustrated as Japan defended in numbers.

Le Guen saw his side carve out the first opening of the game in the eighth minute when Eto'o released Pierre Webo.

He raced to the byline and played the ball into the middle but Eyong Enoh was unable to get a decent touch.

Kawashima then made a good block from Enoh's close range effort before Japan made the breakthrough.

The Cameroon defence failed to cut out Daisuke Matsui's cross to the back post and Honda reacted quickly. He got a superb first touch before clipping the ball beyond a stranded Souleymanou Hamidou.

It was just what Japan wanted and the Blue Samurai had also kept Eto'o quiet in the first half.

Cameroon came out with a purpose at the start of the second half and should have equalised in the 49th minute.

Eto'o got the better of two players in a determined run. He played the ball into the path of Eric Choupo-Moting who was clear in front of goal.

However the striker failed to test Kawashima, his effort going wide of the post to Japan's relief.

Cameroon was enjoying a decent spell and Choupo-Moting cut inside only to drag his shot off target.

However Japan almost added a second goal in the 82nd minute when it launched a swift counter-attack.

Makoto Hasebe's shot was parried by the goalkeeper but only landed at the feet of substitute Shinji Ozakaki, who saw the rebound come off the outside of the left post.

Cameroon responded and three minutes later Stephane Mbia's instinctive effort rattled the bar.

With the crowd urging the Indomitable Lions on, Cameroon kept pushing players forward in search of the equaliser but Japan stood firm.

However it had to rely on Kawashima right at the end to give it the victory it had craved.

The Kawasaki Frontale shot-stopper has only recently taken the jersey and it was easy to understand why as Cameroon was left frustrated.

Former Lyon, Rangers and Paris St Germain boss Le Guen was hoping Cameroon would make it through to the quarter-finals, but this opening defeat makes that looks an outside bet at the moment, with group rivals Holland also chalking up a victory earlier in the day.

Both goals came in the second half after an assured first period of defending by the Scandinavians, who constantly thwarted a Dutch attack which appeared short of ideas without the injured Arjen Robben.

But the resistance was broken less than a 60 seconds into the second half, when Danish defender Simon Poulsen's attempted clearance header from Robin van Persie's left wing cross struck the back of fellow Dane Daniel Agger and went in.

Kuyt doubled the advantage five minutes from the end to ensure the highly-fancied Oranje a positive start in Group E.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen sprung a major surprise by naming Nicklas Bendtner in his starting line-up despite saying on Sunday that the Arsenal striker, who has been nursing a groin problem, "cannot play".

But his side, like the Dutch, struggled to find any early rhythm with Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen wastefully firing free-kicks from good positions into the crowd.

It took 10 minutes for the first shot on target - Kuyt sending a tame effort straight into the arms of Thomas Sorensen from just outside the box.

The noise level of the vuvuzelas was suddenly raised after 16 minutes when the lively Liverpool forward's cross was cleared away for a corner, but that came to nothing - much to the disappointment of the Soccer City crowd.

Van Persie and Rafael van der Vaart then played a neat one-two, but the latter saw his shot deflected wide by Agger.

Denmark had its best opening of the half just after the midway point when Bendtner found himself in space inside the six-yard box, but he could only head Dennis Rommedahl's cross from wide on the right.

After another dangerous ball from Kuyt was deflected wide, Rommedahl carved out another good chance when he cut in from the right, only to shoot straight at Maarten Stekelenburg.

The Ajax goalkeeper was drawn into his first testing save after 36 minutes when Bendtner released Thomas Kahlenberg, whose shot was acrobatically palmed away.

Just before the break, Van Persie seemed unsure which foot to use after making room on the right, before poking his effort wide.

Denmark may have been solid at the back for the first 45 minutes, but the Danes slipped up straight after the restart to gift Netherlands the lead.

The advantage could have been doubled after another mistake - this time from Simon Kjaer - saw Van Persie played in, but indecisiveness from the striker allowed Sorensen to swoop.

Coach Olsen then made his first change by introducing Jesper Gronkjaer, but it was the Oranje that continued to look dangerous.

Van der Vaart showed good skill in trying to cutely volley Van Persie's pass in, but Sorensen again intercepted.

Mikkel Beckmann and Christian Eriksen were also thrown on for Denmark, the former for Bendtner, but the Danes still struggled to carve out any real openings although Agger struck a low shot into the gloves of Stekelenburg.

And Bert van Marwijk's team was always a threat going forward, with substitute Eljero Elia causing plenty of problems down the left.

Sneijder almost made it 2-0 eight minutes from time, but saw his 25-yard effort deflected onto the crossbar by Agger with Sorensen beaten.

However, five minutes from time Kuyt sealed the points. Elia's shot from the left was diverted onto the right-hand post by Stoke goalkeeper Sorensen and the Liverpool forward easily finished.

It could have been worse for Denmark, but Daniel Poulsen cleared Ibrahim Afellay's shot off the line late on.

Van Marwijk said other teams have had obvious difficulties controlling the new ball in the opening matches of the tournament, but that the trademark quick passing game of the Dutch will not be affected when it takes on Denmark.

"The ball is doing the funniest things, especially when it goes through the air," Van Marwijk said through an interpreter. "But along the ground you can play it, and that's our style."

That means the Dutch are likely to rely even more heavily than usual on the short, one-touch passes through midfield and along the wings that made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch during the European championship two years ago.

The Dutch have spent much of its training sessions this week working on just that, using quick passing drills in small spaces to hone their ability to keep the ball on the ground. High-flying crosses and shots from a distance are likely to be futile, Van Marwijk said after a light training session at Soccer City - a stadium where the seats are as bright orange as the Dutch team shirts.

"Every cross pass you see can't be controlled, they go over the players," the coach said. "The kicks to the goal, 90 percent of them swerves over the goal."

The multitude of talented Dutch forwards seemed to have similar problems in training, as Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Ryan Babel all struggled to hit the target from close range when meeting crosses during finishing drills.

Injured winger Arjen Robben, who has been ruled out of the Denmark game, trained separately as he recovers from a hamstring problem. Van Marwijk had another brief injury scare during training when Sneijder, who helped engineer Inter Milan's treble this season, took a hard elbow to the face when trying to go around defender Khalid Boulahrouz. Sneijder stayed on the ground clutching his face and needed help to get up, but rejoined the practice after spending a few minutes on the bench with an ice pack.

"It wasn't serious," Van Marwijk said. "It hurt, but it passed."

Defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst is expected to make his 100th appearance against Denmark, and said he hopes this will be the tournament where the Dutch do more than just play attractive football.

The Netherlands has repeatedly fallen just short at previous World Cups despite often entering the tournaments with one of the most talented squads. It lost the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals, and it's lone major title came at the 1988 European championship. Van Bronckhorst was on the team that played perhaps the best football of the Euro 2008 group stage, beating world champion Italy, France and Romania before falling to Russia in the quarter-finals.

"We've always shown wonderful football, but when push comes to shove we didn't win the (tournaments)," Van Bronckhorst said. "We have a team that desperately wants to be champions."

The 30-year-old Dane will win his 75th cap at Soccer City against the star-studded Dutch who are amongst the favourites to win the World Cup.

But the Danes have been weakened by injuries with Werder Bremen midfielder Daniel Jensen, Feyenoord forward Jon Dahl Tomasson and Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner all unlikely to start.

However Poulsen insists the Danish are not here just to make up the numbers.

"We have had a lot of time to prepare and have watched many videos of the Dutch, but what is important is to be a team and play as a unit," said the veteran who played 882 of a possible 900 minutes in Denmark's qualifiers.

"We can create a surprise against them.

"It is a bonus match, they are one of the favourites for the World Cup and we are hoping to upset them.

"We are a small nation, but perhaps we can be a big surprise in this tournament."

While the Netherlands has seen off Ghana, Hungary and the United States in its pre-World Cup friendlies, Denmark has beaten Senegal, but lost to both Australia and South Africa in warm-up games.

The Dutch has stars like Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart, Arsenal's Robin van Persie and Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder who are capable of winning games single-handedly, but Poulsen insists his team are ready.

"We have prepared very well and come to South Africa very early to get ready for the tournament," he said.

"We have had some good test matches, even if the results were not so good, and trained hard.

"As a minimum, we can match the Dutch team.

"We don't win matches by having one player who is outstanding, we can't do that, we have to play like a team and that is our strength."

Le Guen has become tired of questions regarding his captain's mindset in the build-up to the tournament.

Eto'o recently threatened to quit the team following critical remarks by former player Roger Milla.

The Inter Milan striker, who helped his club win the UEFA Champions League, changed his mind and will lead the team out at the Free State Stadium.

Following a training session, Le Guen said: "We have to concentrate on the special things, not the minor things.

"He (Eto'o) knows what works for him as well as the Cameroon team. He is a champion and knows how to concentrate on the things that matter."

Milla assumed legendary status in 1990 when Cameroon shocked the football world by reaching the quarter-finals.

Twenty years on, Le Guen believes it can reach these dizzy heights again even though it is in a tough group - with the Nethelands and Denmark to come.

He said: "I think it is normal to consider Holland as the favourites but we should still be able to claim one of the two places on offer.

"There is huge expectation in Cameroon but I feel we are ready to showcase our talents.

"There is a good atmosphere in the camp. The players are at ease even though they feel a sense of responsibility."

Eto'o believes Cameroon has the players to trouble the world's best.

"People now believe in us once again. It is a great achievement for all of us to play in a World Cup, especially one in South Africa," he told FIFA WORLD.

"We are dangerous because we are experienced and have learned to play as a team."

Le Guen, who returned home to France with Paris St Germain after a difficult six-month spell with Rangers, has spoken of his pride at leading Cameroon in the tournament.

The 46-year-old took over last year - his first job in international football - and caused a stir by making Eto'o captain instead of the veteran Rigobert Song.

Le Guen said: "Even though this is not my country, I am aware of my responsibilities and what is expected of me. At the moment I feel only happiness."

Okada insists the Blue Samurai will take the game to its opponent at the Free State Stadium.

After a run of five warm-up matches without a victory and only one goal scored, he has been accused of negativity for the way he sets his teams up.

However Okada said: "We have never just concentrated on defence. We have skilful players and tomorrow we will be very attack-minded.

"We have had our ups and downs since I took this post two and a half years ago.

"It is an experience you need to go through and I am not worried. We have done everything we can in terms of our preparation. What I wish for now is our best level of performance."

It is Okada's second FIFA World Cup in charge of Japan after being at the helm in France 98.

Okada returned in 2007 when his predecessor Ivica Osim suffered a stroke and guided the Blue Samurai comfortably through the qualifying campaign.

Japan arrived in South Africa on the back of only two defeats in 14 games.

Okada now wants his players to hit the ground running and said: "We are well tuned.

"It is down to me to make sure the players are not nervous. We will encourage them as best we can."

Okada is fully aware of the threat posed by Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o, who could be even more motivates after being handed the armband by coach Paul Le Guen.

The Inter Milan striker carries the hopes of the nation after helping his club win the UEFA Champions League.

Okada said: "I do not think Eto'o is perfect. He is not the only one to focus on as Cameroon have many talented attacking players.

"But my team have the information they need on Eto'o and we might require more than one man to cover him at times."

Japan arrived in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 1400 metres above sea level, from George after deciding not to train at altitude in South Africa.

Okada insists its 10-day pre-tournament training camp in Switzerland was sufficient.

He added: "We got rid of our fatigue by coming back to sea level and that was the important thing for me."

The two European countries launch their Group E campaigns at Soccer City knowing a win will go a long way towards aiding progress into the second round.

For the Denmark, who has progressed to the knockout stage in all three previous appearances at the finals, the game cannot come quickly enough.

"While I've been coach, I think this is the longest training period we've had prior to a major championship," Olsen explained.

"That's been good, but now the preparations are over and that's a good thing. The players want to get going, they want to get cracking with the real matches.

"We're ready and we are proud to be representing our country at such a big event."

Netherlands, perennial under-achievers at global events, is one of the the favourites for the crown in South Africa and Denmark will be expecting to compete for second place with Japan and Cameroon.

Asked about what a realistic outcome from the opening game would be, Olsen continued: "A good result would be a draw for us.

"Let me say that the Netherlands are the favourites tomorrow. They have good individual players that play at top international level.

"It's nice to be a favourite because if you're the favourite is because you assumed to be better than the other team but we are certainly ready to take them on."

Reflecting on his side's preparation for the match, Olsen said: "You have to be prepared for your opponent and that's how we have prepared.

"Any team has restrictions, limitations and weaknesses and obviously it's up to us to see if we can benefit from anything we can find in that department."

The coach also confirmed that Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) "cannot play" and revealed that Jon Dahl Tomasson and Daniel Jensen are injury doubts.

Midfielder Christian Poulsen feels the underdog status of Denmark will take the pressure completely off the players and allow them to play with more freedom.

He added: "We hope we can show how we play as a team and hopefully produce a positive surprise.

"It's kind of a bonus match, against one of the favourites of the World Cup, and we can only surprise. We're working to see if we can do that and if we have a very good day, then perhaps we can."

The Dutch, perennial under-achievers at global events, is one of the the favourites for the crown in South Africa, but its first challenge is to progress from Group E, which also includes Japan and Cameroon.

But first up for the Oranje is its European counterpart, who has plenty of knowledge of its opponent due to the number of Danes that ply their trade in the Eredivisie.

"We have enormous respect for any opponent, but also for Denmark," he said. "They are two teams that know each other through and through. I don't think we have any secrets from one another.

"We have the same ideas when it comes to football."

However, he was hoping to avoid a result similar to England's against the United States in Rustenburg, saying there was no chance of taking Morten Olsen's team lightly.

He continued: "Yesterday we saw a game that may seem easy to win, England and USA. (end as a draw).

"So we're not going to underestimate Denmark by any means.

"All I am interested in is the Dutch team. I think two years ago I said that this is the most important match, the first one of the World Cup, and we'll do everything in our power to win it."

Although admitting to being slightly anxious ahead of the clash at Soccer City, Van Marwijk insisted it was something positive to take into a game of such high importance.

"You need a bit of tension before a match," he said. "That applies to every game, it's no different now.

"Yes, there is a bit of tension, but this is good. It keeps you alive and makes you sharper, so that's what you need."

Netherlands is expected to have a fully-fit squad available, apart from Arjen Robben, who is still training separately following his pre-tournament hamstring problem.

Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst will play his 100th game for his country if selected, but the Feyenoord defender admits the record will count for nothing if Netherlands fail to win, saying: "It's a good milestone in my career but the match is the most important thing.

"I hope we can get off to a wonderful start at this World Cup."

The former Arsenal, Rangers and Barcelona player, who has an extensive trophy haul at club level, is desperate to add an international title to his collection before hanging up his boots at the end of the tournament.

He added: "In my career I've almost won everything you can win and the only thing that is lacking is the World Cup and I think for every player this is the moment in their career to become world champion.

"This tournament is the last opportunity for me and I hope that in a couple of weeks time, we'll be able to celebrate."

No African team boasts more experience than Paul Le Guen's Cameroon. The team's appearance in South Africa is a record sixth at a World Cup for an African nation and it will revel in "home" support.

Cameroon, the first African side to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1990, hopes Eto'o - three-time African Footballer of the Year - can inspire them in the same way as 38-year-old Roger Milla did in Italy two decades ago.

The Inter Milan player has enjoyed a stellar two seasons, winning the "Treble" of European Cup, league and national cup for Barcelona in 2009 and Inter this year under now-departed coach Jose Mourinho.

However, 29-year-old Eto'o does not enter the finals in top spirits having even hinted he might pull-out after criticism from Milla about his contribution to the national side - thankfully for the 'Indomitable Lions' the Inter star did not take it any further than that.

Eto'o, who rivals Cote d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba as the best striker from Africa, is likely to be joined in the starting line-up by midfielder Alexandre Song of Arsenal.

Le Guen has said his World Cup squad is one loaded with potential and the ability to make it through a tough Group E, which also includes the Netherlands and Denmark.

"I am confident, I have a feeling that the players are really on the path to achieving their goal," Le Guen said, though the former Lyon, Rangers and PSG coach admitted the group was "complicated and difficult."

Cameroon has not had the best run-up to world football's showpiece event, losing to Serbia and Portugal and struggling to a draw against World Cup debutants Slovakia in its warm-up games.

But it will face a Japan side in Bloemfontein on Monday in a trough after a string of poor performances in which the Blue Samurai have netted only once in five games.

In its last warm-up match Japan fought out a disappointing goalless stalemate against Zimbabwe after a run of four successive defeats in which it managed just one goal through Marcus Tulio Tanaka in a 2-1 defeat by England.

Its poor run has given further ammunition to those who have criticised coach Takeshi Okada's claim that it has a chance to reach the semi-finals.

Japan, three-time Asian champion, admits Cameroon, which can be physically intimidating, will be a tough proposition but say it will stick to its attacking style based on short passing.

"We can't change that. It's impossible to employ long balls all of sudden," Okada said.

Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe, who captained Japan against England and Cote d'Ivoire, conceded that scoring had been a problem but remains upbeat.

"I believe we will surely have a good chance to beat Cameroon as they have yet to hit top form. But they are not a side whom we can beat easily. In any way, we will go to the first match in 100 percent condition."

CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda is expected to operate as a lone striker in the opener while former Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura, though no longer the top star, is eager to prove his worth, likely from the bench.

The Oranje has never won the World Cup, but reached the finals of both the 1974 and 1978 tournaments playing their brand of flowing football.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has an embarrassment of riches in his squad for the Group E clash at Soccer City with the likes of Arsenal's Robin van Persie, Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart and Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder.

The challenge for this Dutch side is to secure a comfortable win over Denmark, breeze through the group stages, but then carry that early form into the knock-out stages.

In the group stages of Euro 2008, the Dutch saw off both 2006 World Cup finalists Italy and France in style, only to fall to a shock defeat to Russia in the quarter-finals.

But the team is determined not to repeat such mistakes in South Africa.

"Normally we play good football, but don't get very far," said midfielder Mark van Bommel.

"This time I think we can play good football and be successful."

His optimism stems in part from the fact that many of the Dutch squad are with top clubs in major European leagues.

"The lads want to win all the time. That, coupled with the Dutch philosophy of good football, is a winning combination."

The Dutch team is almost sure to be without Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, who has a thigh strain, but will still have an impressive strikeforce led by Arsenal's van Persie.

"We should reach the semi-finals at least. That's a must for us, especially when you look at the 23 players and the clubs they play for," said van Persie.

Little has been said at this World Cup about Denmark, but it commands respect for winning its qualifying group ahead of Portugal, having beaten the host 3-2 in Lisbon back in September 2008.

But its form coming into this tournament has been far from impressive with warm-up defeats to both Australia and South Africa in recent weeks, while in contrast the Netherlands beat Ghana, Hungary and the United States with ease.

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner looks to be fit to face the Danish having been out of action since May after suffering a groin injury.

With Coach Morten Olsen, the Danes finished two points clear of Portugal in qualifying and will rely heavily on the likes of Thomas Sorensen, Lars Jacobsen and Bendtner, who will fly the Premier League flag.

Stoke City's goalkeeper Sorensen is likely to have a busy time containing the Oranje's attack while just in front of him Blackburn Rovers defender Lars Jacobsen will be marshalling the defence.

Bassong made it into the Indomitable Lions' squad after shining for Tottenham in the English Premier League when regular centre backs Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate were injured.

"It was one of my goals of the season," Bassong said Saturday. "I wanted to play a great season with Tottenham and hopefully be involved in the World Cup. So, yeah, I expected that."

The 23-year-old centre back joined Spurs this season from Newcastle as a back-up for King and Woodgate but their injuries meant Bassong became a regular starter.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen said he called Bassong to reassure him after omitting him from the African Cup in Angola.

"I told him not to give up hope," Le Guen said after Cameroon trained at Northlands Primary School in northern Durban.

Bassong didn't.

"I put it behind me," he said. "And since then I have always done absolutely everything I could to be here."

Now he could line up alongside Spurs teammate Benoit Assou-Ekotto when Cameroon opens against Japan on Monday (Tuesday morning AEST) in Bloemfontein. Alex Song, from Spurs' North London rivals, Arsenal, will likely be in midfield in front of them.

The Indomitable Lions take on Denmark in Pretoria next Saturday before finishing its Group E matches against the Netherlands on June 24 in Cape Town.

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o again did not speak to the media after training. The striker has not spoken to reporters covering the Cameroon squad since arriving earlier this week.

Le Guen, however, has taken every opportunity to praise his captain, despite Eto'o's threats to sit out games because of criticism from Cameroon legend Roger Milla about his form for the national team.

Le Guen said Eto'o, who won the Champions League and Italian league and cup double with Inter Milan this season, was ready to dominate against Japan no matter how much pressure the defence puts him under.

"He is a great player," Le Guen said. "He is ready to handle the pressure, no problem."

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said it was too risky for the Bayern Munich winger to play at Soccer City on Monday (Monday evening AEST). But he hopes Robben will be fit in time to face Japan in Durban on June 19 and Cameroon in Cape Town five days later.

"In the last three weeks, he's only had one full training (session) and he's played 40 minutes. We're going to take it easy with him," he told Dutch broadcaster NOS.

Robben picked up the injury in a warm-up game against Hungary in Amsterdam June 5.

After scoring two goals as a second half substitute, he played a back-heeled pass to a teammate five minutes from the end of the game and collapsed holding his left leg.

Van Marwijk had to decide whether to risk the fitness of one of his most important players and try to field him against the Danes. But that might have aggravated the injury and ruled him out of the rest of the competition.

The Oranj is outright favourite to top Group E, while Denmark is widely expected to be competing for second place along with Japan and Cameroon.

Therefore the Scandinavians could be forgiven for looking to take at least a point from its opening game.

But that is not the case according to Liverpool defender Agger.

He told Press Association Sport: "We're looking forward to getting started.

"There are four teams in the group and everybody's competing for those top-two places, not only Holland, the other teams as well.

"A team like us is always going out to win and it's the same against Holland. We'll be trying to win the game."

His teammate Jesper Gronkjaer was slightly more circumspect, warning that his team's opponent is amongst the favourites for the title.

"They are a very good team, a very young team with players who play all around Europe at big teams. They are surely one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

"It will be a hard task for us, even though we will be going in to win the game. If we can get something out of the game we will be happy."

One player likely to miss the game is Nicklas Bendtner and there are also suggestions that the forward could be out for longer due to his groin injury.

Asked about the prospect of his teammate not playing at the finals, Agger said: "It won't be good, but on the other side it's football.

"You have to play with the players that are available. We have good players in the squad, so we'll have to take it from there."

Former Chelsea winger Gronkjaer, who now plays at FC Copenhagen, added: "Obviously it's going to be a blow because he is a great player and is the number one striker in Denmark at the moment.

"He's had a decent season at Arsenal. He's been injured for quite a while, but came back strongly in the (northern) spring.

"We're all hoping that he'll be okay, but if he's not we're still going to play with 11."

Arsenal midfielder Song was expected to play a key part in the Indomitable Lions' bid to qualify from Group E but looks set to be employed off the bench initially.

Regular goalkeeper Carlos Kameni could also be another surprise exclusion, with Le Guen revealing in a press conference he was set to select 36-year-old Hamidou Souleymanou between the posts.

"We've had three weeks of hard training and I've had a better idea of my team now," Le Guen said.

"Alexandre Song may not start the first match against Japan.

"This does not mean there is anything bad about him. He is a great player. I try to pick the most competitive team."

Le Guen pinpointed the speed of Japan's attacking players as the key area of concern.

"I have watched many videos of Japanese football over and over and I know their strongest weapon is that they have very swift attackers," he said.

"We've worked very hard to deal with that and as concerns Monday's match, I'm full of confidence."

With Japan boasting just one goal in five games, CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda is set to start in a lone striker's role at the expense of Shimizu S-Pulse frontman Okazaki.

"That is the way competition for places is and I think it is healthy," Hasebe told Kyodo News.

"But Okazaki has been a key player for us and it is not as if he won't get another chance."

The Blue Samurai heads into the match on the back of a five-game winless run.

It lost to Serbia, Korea Republic, England and Cote d'Ivoire before being held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in a hastily-arranged final friendly as coach Takeshi Okada looked to finalise his plans.

The Bayern Munich winger is unlikely to be risked, however, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Robben suffered the setback in a warm-up match against Hungary and remained in the Netherlands to receive treatment.

After Denmark, the Dutch takes on Japan and finally Cameroon in Group E.

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie believes it has every reason to feel confident going into the tournament.

He said: "We should reach the semi-finals at least. That's a must for us, especially when you look at the 23 players and the clubs they play for."

Coach Bert van Marwijk told reporters on Friday that Robben's recovery is "going well" but was evasive when asked whether the Bayern Munich player will be fit for the Group E opener against Denmark .

"I haven't seen him for a week. We will see tomorrow," van Marwijk said at the Dutch team base in Johannesburg.

Robben - one of the main reasons Bayern won the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League final this season - has been in doubt for the World Cup since picking up a hamstring injury a week ago in a friendly against Hungary.

Van Marwijk didn't call in a replacement, betting on Robben to become fit in time for the tournament. But with plenty of midfield talent in the squad, van Marwijk may choose to rest him for the opener.

Judging by Friday's practice, Rafael van der Vaart could take Robben's place in the lineup.

The coach fielded the Real Madrid player and Dirk Kuyt on the wings and Robin van Persie up front in a formation that seemed to suggest the contours of Monday's lineup.

Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong took defensive roles in the midfield with playmaker Wesley Sneijder building the attack.

Van Marwijk kept his cards close to his chest about whether he had already selected his starters.

"You will see," he said.

The Bayern Munich star suffered a tear to his hamstring in the final pre-tournament friendly, a 6-1 win over Hungary, and remained in the Netherlands when the rest of the squad flew to South Africa.

"I haven't seen him for a week. We will see tomorrow," said coach Bert van Marwijk when asked about the player's fitness.

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart could be in line to take his place should Robben not recover for the Group E game against Denmark.

Physio Dick van Toorn earlier declared Robben fit to play, but the second game against Japan seems a more likely target.

Van Marwijk has not called up a replacement.

The Arsenal forward said earlier this week he expected to overcome the niggling problem in time for the match. However, his recovery has stalled and he now appears unlikely to feature.

Bendtner missed the end of the Premier League season with the problem but returned to training ahead of the Group E match and said earlier this week: "I've been training hard with the physical trainer and I'm one of those with the best heart rate in the squad. The football side of things shouldn't be any problem either."

However, his chances of being ready now appear slim with the injury still not fully healed.

Takeshi Okada's side rounded off its preparations with a disappointing goalless draw with Zimbabwe as it once again failed to find the back of the net.

The result did end a run of four successive defeats for Japan but highlighted its lack of firepower as it has now managed just one goal in its last five games.

Skipper Hasebe came through the match with Zimbabwe unscathed after suffering a back injury in last week's 2-0 defeat to Cote d'Ivoire and the Wolfsburg midfielder maintains Japan has every chance of victory against Cameroon.

''Our problem scoring goals is an issue that has needed addressing for quite some time and it is something we are acutely aware of,'' he said on Kyodo News.

''But we went close on several occasions (against Zimbabwe) and there were positives to be taken. I think we have a real chance of beating Cameroon as they are not at their best. It won't be easy of course but the main thing is that we are all in top condition.''

Eto'o, 29, cannot wait for its opening match in the tournament, when it faces Japan in Bloemfontein.

"It is incredible. I've always had this dream of playing in the World Cup in Africa and it's about to become a reality, " he told the Mail & Guardian.

"When I'm in South Africa it will be the same as if I'm back in Cameroon. I've always said that, even before Cameroon, I belong to Africa. I might live in Europe but I sleep in Africa."

Eto'o celebrated his first season in Serie A by winning the treble - including the UEFA Champions League.

He added: "I'm so proud to be African in this World Cup.

"Like most Africans I had to work much harder and show much deeper belief than others.

"Most people see Africa only in terms of poverty and war, famine and disease. But this World Cup gives us the chance to show something different.

"I think the whole world is going to be really surprised by Africa. This could be the best World Cup in history."