Predictions: Day 14
An Italy win and they're in – a draw, and it depends on the other result. Slovakia win and they could be in, but only if New Zealand fail to take a point from Paraguay (does your head hurt yet?). Azzurri haven't been convincing, but they did look a little better second time out and they'll be intent on preventing an early goal. So far, Marcello Lippi has changed formations while sticking with the same lineup. Both teams are having problems up front, so it looks a tight one – again.
Prediction: Slovakia 0, Italy 1
Paraguay (1-1-0) vs New Zealand (0-2-0), 10 a.m. ET
Paraguay tops the group, but can't slip up here – a loss and the bruising All Whites will pass them in the standing and claim a knockout spot. Unthinkable? There is no such thing at this World Cup. But South American form here has been good and Paraguay is expected to make minimal changes to avoid a knockout meeting with Holland. New Zealand has already surpassed expectations.
Prediction: Paraguay 2, New Zealand 0
Denmark (1-0-1) vs Japan (1-0-1), 2:30 p.m. ET
Second place in the group at stake, with Japan holding the edge on goal differential and needing just a draw to go through. Blue Samurai – that's their name, one of the better ones here – will defend and play it safe against Danish side that is missing suspended Simon Kjaer and may be without ailing Nicklas Bendtner – Kjaer's perfectly weighted 60-metre pass to Rommedahl, and on to Bendtner for the sliding finish against Cameroon was one of the best goals here. Danes would miss big Bendtner on set pieces in which they appear to have an advantage – given the nature of this one, I'd expect he'll play.
Prediction: Denmark 1, Japan 0
Cameroon (0-0-2) vs Netherlands (2-0-0), 2:30 p.m. ET
Dutch is in, Lions are out, so there's not much to play for here except pride, and the possibility that Arjen Robben will get some burn. Robben's been out injured and would be making with debut here. They've played so far as if they have something left in reserve – and still won both. Don't really expect a slipup here against demoralized Indomitable Lions.
Prediction: Cameroon 1, Netherlands 2
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