Monday June 14th
Group E
Dutch defeat demoralised DanesNetherlands 2 Denmark 0 (Johannesburg) |
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Japan tame African Lions
Japan 1 Cameroon 0 (Bloemfontein) A goal from Keisuke Honda was enough to give Japan a victory over Cameroon. The goal which was the only major event in the first half came in the 38th minute when a cross found Honda who stabbed the ball in at the far post. Five minutes into the second half, a good run in the box by Eto'o ended with him pulling the ball back to Choupo-Moting who curled it over the bar. The Indomitable Lions looked more dangerous towards the end of the match and Mbia rattled the bar with a thunderous shot 5 minutes from time. |
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Group F
Paraguay hold champions
Italy began the defence of their title with a draw against Paraguay. Torres floated in a free-kick in the 39th minute for Alcaraz to head into the Italian net against the run of play. Ten minutes after the interval the ball fell to Vera in the Italian box whose rushed shot flew wide, but in the 63rd minute Paraguayan keeper Villar flapped at a corner-kick and de Rossi was behind him to knock the ball in for the equaliser after which Italy took control and came close with a shot from Pepe straight at the keep in the 80th minute and a long-range shot from Montolivo 3 minutes later forcing the keeper to get down to his right and push the ball behind for a corner. |
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