In-form Dutch the team to beat in Group E

TOKYO - A talented Netherlands squad starts as firm favorites in a tight Group E with Japan, Cameroon and Denmark set to fight for second place.

A red-hot qualifying campaign saw the Dutch sail through to the finals without dropping a point and coach Bert van Marwijk is happy with the way the draw panned out for his star-sprinkled team.

Big things are expected from the in-form Oranje, currently ranked four in the world behind Brazil, Spain and Portugal, although star striker Arjen Robben's thigh injury has clouded their preparations.