NETHERLANDS

Formation: 4-2-3-1

TAB Sportsbet: $13

The Coach: Bert van Marwijk

Quiet, yet confident, this smart Dutch coach’s no-nonsense, strict policy has ensured Netherlands enter the competition in good stead. He says that his team are coming to win the Cup; however he has only racked up trophies in 2002 and 2008, a six year gap. So perhaps 2014 is a more realistic target, if history and stats is any guide?

The Captain: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

The ageing, yet talented left back is coming to the end of an illustrious career and will be looking to win the World Cup during what will be his last Cup. His ability to get forward is a crucial role and producing good balls into the box has been a strength throughout his career.

The X-Factor: Arjen Robben

The winger from Bayern is coming into the Cup in career-best form. After a few years in the wilderness after leaving Chelsea, Robben sparked to life over the past few seasons. He practically ran the show for Bayern in the Champions League final, and despite the defeat, he had enjoyed a wonderful season and scored some crackers with that deadly left foot. However, in a blow for the Dutch, Robben did injure himself in a friendly against Hungary and is now no certainty to be at the Cup. This would be a massive blow for the Oranje.

The Flaw: The Keeper

First choice keeper Stekelenburg has been a little bit of a worry after Van Der Sar’s retirement from the international stage. He lacks the leadership that the Manchester United keeper brought to the side and can tend to be a little shaky at the back.

The Verdict: Quarter Finals

A well-oiled machine, the Dutch really have the potential to go all the way in this Cup. However, they tend to falter on the bigger occasions and have only ever made the semi finals once (1998). If they can improve on their round of sixteen finishing in 2006 they’ll have a really chance.

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DENMARK

Formation: 4-1-3-1-1

TAB Sportsbet: $101

The Coach: Morten Olsen

Leading a team of any sort for ten years can only be something that managers and coaches dream of. His attacking point of view has somewhat dimmed over the past years and led to claims of ‘tactical inflexibility’ from fans and media.

The Captain: Jon Dahl Tomasson

Veteran Strike Tomasson is the normal captain of the side, but speculation is still rife about whether or not he will be playing ninety minutes of every game. But if he does get picked, the Danes will count of his experience up front and he will be able to really nurse young Bendtner into the centre forward role.

The X-Factor: Niklas Bendtner

He’s been under pressure of late to be fit with a groin problem, but if he does make it, he’ll be vital for the Danes. Coming off his best season to date with Arsenal, the beanpole Dane had a knack of scoring late, important goals. A lot of Denmark’s attacking initiative will be based upon him.

The Flaw: Wide Play

The Danes have struggled to produce young, quality wingers of late with the ageing Martin Jorgensen and Dennis Rommedahl no longer at the peak of their careers. Their inability to spark the wings makes their attacking approach very direct and predictable.

The Verdict: Group Stage

Whilst Denmark is still a formidable opponent due to their consistency, they lack the skill along the flanks to really strike fear into opponents. They have a tough group too but they’ve never failed to make it past the group stages from their three Cup appearances, so history is on their side.

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JAPAN

Formation: 4-4-1-1

TAB Sportsbet: $201

The Coach: Takeshi Okada

Not a very popular figure in Japan, Okada has been accused of sticking with a certain group of players and not allowing for the blooding of new, fresh talent. He hasn’t done too badly in the big games however; anything but qualification to the next round will be a failure in Okada’s eyes.