World Cup - Group E decided

Exciting Japan beat Denmark to join Holland in Last 16

Two exquisite free kicks from Honda and Endo sealed the deal for Japan, who were lively and entertaining. They just needed a draw, but even when Tommasson scored from the rebound on his missed penalty with ten minutes to go, Japan did not sit back and defend their 2-1 lead. They continued to attack and rewarded with a third from Okazaki in the closing minutes. So their 3-1 victory sees them progress to meet Paraguay in the last 16.

Holland were already through to the next round, and they

clocked up three wins from three by beating Cameroon 2-1. Robin van Persie scored the opener, Huntelaar the winner, after Cameroon had equalised through an Eto'o penalty. A workmanlike performance rather than inspiring, but given that they had already qualified, that's all they needed. And they saw Arjen Robben come back from injury to make an appearance in the closing stages, which means they are definitely ones to watch as it progresses.

World Cup Day Nine

Great Danes send Cameroon packing

Cameroon became the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup after losing their second game 2-1 to Denmark. The Africans can't progress no matter how they fare in their final group game against the Dutch. It was an entertaining game with loads of chances thanks to very loose defending. The winning goal was a cracker from Dennis Rommedahl who cut in from the right hand side and cracked home a curling shot to the far post with his left foot. Denmark can also thank goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson for a brilliant save, diving low to his right to prevent Emana from scoring.

10-man Aussies cling to survival

Australia played most of the game without Harry Kewell, who was shown a red card after 24 minutes for a handball. The awfully titled Socceroos had been 1-0 up at that stage, but the resulting penalty tied up the game. Australia did well to keep Ghana at bay for the rest of the game, but while they could still progress, it looks unlikely. It's the second game in which the Australians finished with ten men - their star player Tim Cahill watched today's game from the stands after being sent off in their opening game against Germany.

Dutch overcome stubborn Japanese challenge

Wesley Sneijder scored the game's only goal on 53 minutes as the Netherlands put themselves on course for the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Japan. Holland are now unbeaten in 21 games and moving along quietly and efficiently in this tournament.

World Cup Day Four

Lucky Italians scrape draw

Holders Italy were lucky to get a draw against Paraguay. The South Americans took the lead through a terrific Antolin Aclaraz header. But a scrappy equaliser from De Rossi saved the Italians' blushes. Worrying for the Azzuri, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was forced to retire at half time through injury. If Italy are going to make any mark in this tournament, they need him back, and a serious improvement in the next two games.

Agger-avating

A freak own goal from Daniel Agger, with the ball ping-ponging around the small rectangle, gave Holland the lead in their Game against Denmark. Dirk Kuyt wrapped up the win late on. And it could have been three had it not been for one of the most spectacular goal line clearances you'll ever see - Poulson somehow getting Ibrahim Afellay's shot away

Yawn-fest

Is it just me, or are there a lot of very boring matches so far at this World Cup. There hasn't really been a game to make the tournament come alive yet. Japan beat Cameroon 1-0 but the most interesting thing I can think to say about the game, is that the winning goal was driven home by a player called Honda.