Japan lost the match with Netherlands 0-1 , Dutch flying reaches to world Cup round of sixteen in a Group E when Denmark overcame Cameroon 2-1 in a night match.
Wesley Sneijder’s 53rd minute strike finally broke down Japan’s stubborn esistance, which had stifled Dutch creativity for much of the match.Robin van Persie laid the ball back and Sneijder drove in a powerful right-foot shot that Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima could only deflect into his net. However, the goal was reward for a much improved start to the second half by the unimpressive Dutch, who had been frustrated by the Japanese in a dull first period.
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said, "Everyone could see Japan do not have a bad team and then you have to be very patient". We can do much better but with six out of two games without conceding a goal you can't say you're not satisfied. Netherlands, who laboured to a 2-0 win over Denmark in their opening game, lead the group with six points and if Cameroon fail to beat the Danes later on Saturday the Dutch will become the first team to book a place in the second round.
Japan, who surprisingly beat Cameroon 1-0 in their opening match, had declared their intent to frustrate their opponents but they also attacked in numbers when they had the chance and will be aggrieved not to have got a goal. Japan coach Takeshi Okada said, "During the first half we were not only concentrating on the defence." We expected the Netherlands to be frustrated but defence alone was not enough. So I told our players to be very courageous and aggressive when we had the ball.
The first half was disappointing as Netherlands failed to exploit their possession and mustered only three shots with midfielder Rafael van der Vaart's late effort the only one to test Kawashima in the Japan goal. The Dutch came out firing after the break and Robin Van Persie had already wasted two chances before he seized on a loose ball in the penalty area. With the Japanese defence closing him down, Van Persie slipped the ball to Sneijder on the edge of the box and the playmaker slammed his shot into the net off the keeper.
The win set a record of 10 straight victories for the Netherlands in World Cup qualifiers and final tournament matches, including eight before the two in South Africa. It also extended the Dutch record of never losing to an Asian team. It has now won eight matches and drawn one against Asian opponents.The win put the Netherlands in first place in Group E with six points. Cameroon and Denmark are also in the group.