Italy and the Netherlands will attract much of the attention on the penultimate day of group-stage action, with the reigning champions hoping to find their stride at last and the highly fancied Oranje aiming to keep their 100 per cent run going.
Bert van Marwijk's charges are already assured a place in the last 16 from Group E so the pressure will be off when they take on eliminated Cameroon, a situation that ought to allow his players to express themselves. Elsewhere in the section, Japan face Denmark in what is likely to be a tussle for second spot, and with goal difference on their side, the Japanese know a draw would be enough to take them through.
Things are more complicated in Group F, where Paraguay, Italy and Slovakia can all still finish top. While Los Guaraníes will seize pole position if they overcome New Zealand, Italy are certain of second place at least if they also take maximum points. The runners-up spot may nonetheless come down to goal difference, and, strange as it sounds, that could end with New Zealand sending the holders home.
The matches
Paraguay-New Zealand, Group F, Polokwane, 16.00
Slovakia-Italy, Group F, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00
Cameroon-Netherlands, Group E, Cape Town, 20.30
Denmark-Japan, Group E, Rustenburg, 20.30
