Cameroon will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Ghana, who became the first African team to win in the ongoing World Cup, and overcome a Japan side they have never beaten before. The Indomitable Lions, who missed out on the 2006 Germany finals, begin their quest for a place in the second round from Group E. In the other group game, favorites Holland take on Denmark while world champions Italy kick off the defense of their title against Paraguay in Group F. Cameroon V Japan Head to head: Japan win (2) goals (4) Cameroon win (0) goals (0) Draw (1) Team news: Cameroon forward Pierre Webo might be given a starting berth after scoring twice in a pre-World Cup game against Serbia. Striker Samuel Eto'o will be looking to silence Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who questioned his commitment to the national team. Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe is fit to play after shrugging off a back complaint. What they said: "We had a good preparation and we are optimistic. We have pressure but it's not a surprise for me. It's normal. We have good players, we have a good team, I am hopeful," Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen. "I'm expecting it to be just like an away match, but we'll make the best of it. We'll just need to concentrate on our game and show that we have a solid team," Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda.
Eto'o features in his third World Cup Player to watch: Cameroon: Samuel Eto'o shoulders the team's hopes in South Africa. Japan: The versatility of Keisuke Honda, who plays for Russia's CSKA Moscow, could heavily benefit the three-time Asian champions. Holland V Denmark Head to head: They have never met. Team news: Holland's in-form winger Arjen Robben is unlikely to play as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is also expected to miss out on the game through injury but Simon Kjaer and Thomas Sorensen will be fit to play after recovering from injuries. What they said: "We have a special kind of arrogance that is one of our strengths. But we shouldn't let it go too far, otherwise it can become a handicap and we become careless," Holland coach Bert van Marwijk. "I don't regard Holland as among the World Cup favorites. They often start off strongly and then suddenly lose a crucial game and crash out," Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl. Player to watch: Holland: Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is enjoying a fine form. Denmark: Liverpool defender Daniel Agger will be busy keeping the likes of Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt quiet.
Italy begin defense of title Italy V Paraguay Head to head: Italy win (2) goals (5) Paraguay win (0) goals (1) Draw (0) Team news: Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is out of the game due to a calf injury. Daniele de Rossi could also miss out with a similar problem. Paraguay Oscar Cardozo is likely to miss the match due to an ankle injury. Borussia Dortmund's Lucas Barrios is expected to deputize for him. What they said: "We don't have a star like Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi or Wayne Rooney, and we can't play like Brazil, Spain or the Portuguese. But when it comes to defending there's no one that can match us," Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro. "This is going to be a midfield battle, without question, and it's sure to be competitive. We'll be working hard on playing the ball around and having some possession, though. That's the way to hurt Italy," Paraguay midfielder Enrique Vera. Player to watch: Italy: Fabio Cannavaro is still one of the Azzurri's most prominent stars despite his disappointing displays last season. Paraguay: Striker Roque Santa Cruz barely played with English side Manchester City last term but he remains a key player.
