Holland Edge Past Japan, Black Stars Waste Opportunity Against Socceroos, Cameroon Crash Out

Game 24: Netherlands 1-0 Japan

Another game, another goalkeeping error. How many times has that happened at this year's World Cup? I'm sure it's all because of the unpredictability of the Jabulani ball. This match was rather dull as the Dutch played at a slower than usual tempo again and I can't stress this more - they do miss Arjen Robben. There's a distinct lack of pace when they went forward before Ibrahim Affelay and Eljero Elia came on. Japan, meanwhile, showed some fight after going a goal down and to be fair, I think they did well and perhaps with a little better finishing, they might have got something out of the game. Netherlands play Cameroon next and would definitely rest some starters as they only need a draw to top the group. Japan play Denmark in a winner-takes-all match and would have to defend better as they only need a draw to progress to the knockout stage. Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder (nobody stood out actually but by being sort of a threat and scoring the winning goal, he gets this award for me)

Game 25: Ghana 1-1 Australia

Yet another goalkeeping error. This time by the Ghanaian goalkeeper. Having said that, Australia deserved their lead at that time as they started well and were looking for the opening goal from the start but unfortunately, they had a man sent off in the first half yet again but this time it was a correct decision. Ghana played well after that and perhaps should have taken the chances that they created in the second half. Australia defended much much better considering they got mauled by the Germans in their previous game. Ghana meet Germany in their last group game in a group where every team still has a genuine chance. Ghana would have to fight hard against a much better opposition and a draw will take them through. Australia, meanwhile, take on Serbia and will have to win by a 2 or 3 goal margin if they are to go through. They would need to have 11 men on the pitch for 90 minutes to do that or else it's goodbye to the team from Down Under. Man of the Match: Asamoah Gyan (the striker scored a crucial penalty and was a constant threat to the Australian defence - creating chances for himself and other teammates)

Game 26: Cameroon 1-2 Denmark

Probably the best game with a lot of end-to-end action especially in the second half. It has to be said that both defences were pretty shaky, though. Very hardly contested match and it was good to see a lot of attacking football from both sides which is very rare at the World Cup so far. Denmark showed that experienced players have benefits for the team as Dennis Rommedahl put in a great performance to give his country hope for progressing from the group stage. Cameroon should have taken at least one out of the numerous chances that they had in the second half and now are the first team to go out of the competition and have themselves to blame for being tactically wrong and rather poor in their overall play in the first game against Japan. They meet the Ducth next and perhaps must show some good football to salvage some pride. Denmark must be better in defence where they have been sloppy at times against Japan in a game they must win to progress. Man of the Match: Dennis Rommedahl (a great run behind the fullback and good cross after that for the team's first goal, superb finish to score his team's second, showed pace to trouble the opposition - what more can you ask for?)