Group E Preview

Go Cameroon! The Buffet is not going to try and hide its love for the Indomitable Lions. It's true that they on occasion play defense like a pub team, but if there is one African team that is positioned to make a quality run at this World Cup, it's Cameroon.

Oh yeah - this group also has the Netherlands aka Holland (Trivia for Buffet readers: Why are they the Dutch?) But since I am heavily USA biased, I have a hard time not being grumpy about them since Nigel de Jong's brutal bone crushing (literally) tackle on Stuart Holden earlier this year. Thankfully, Holden is now back from injury, but my hatred for all things de Jong are only getting started. I look forward to Cameroonian destoyer Alexandre Song sending de Jong to de showers early.

Predicted Finish:

1. Holland/Netherlands/Dutch/Dirty de Jong

2. Camerooon!!

3. Denmark

4. Japan

Netherlands (12 to 1):

This team is loaded and one of the Buffet favorites to win the World Cup. There is a recent injury scare to report, Arjen Robben strained his hamstring in a warm-up match a couple of days ago, but reports are that the injury is not too serious. That would be a blow, but this team has talent all over - except perhaps in the goal. Wesley Sneijder is the key. The Inter Milan midfielder is not exactly an unknown, but he may become a break out star. Robin Van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, and Rafael Van Der Vaart will provide plenty of scoring punch. And they have a formidable defense with both skill and savagery (See de Jong, Nigel - above).

Cameroon (80 to 1):

I anticipated picking Denmark to finish second, but after further review the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will take it. Cameroon opens up against the weakest team, Japan, while Denmark gets the Dutch. Cameroon will come into that all important second match against Denmark with 3 points and Denmark will have 0, meaning Denmark will have to go for the win and play an open match. This plays right into the Lions' favor, and they will sneak another victory. Go Lions! This is likely the final World Cup for Samuel Eto'o, the former Barcelona and current Inter Milan striker and the Buffet can expect a big tournament. And with fans like the guy in the photo, do you really want to bet against Cameroon?

Denmark (125 to 1):

They started European qualification with a long unbeaten run, and then sorted of coasted to the finish with a couple draws and a loss. But if their new wonderkid, Nicholas Bendtner of Arsenal, is healthy, they will have enough creativity to be dangerous. This team reminds me of the Swiss team from 2006 - scraping out results, but not looking particularly good doing it. If they can steal a point against Holland - watch out.

Japan (250 to 1):

Japan is a team without any real stars and without any real big wins in the past 4 years. They consistently beat the teams they are supposed to beat, but haven't had a break through against a quality team in forever. Interestingly, and I don't understand why, they have an incredible recent record against African teams. No matter, Cameroon is too big and strong. Japan also tries to play ball possession as if they were Brazil or Spain yet don't have any creative engines in the midfield. That's not good - and neither are they. Sionora.