Denmark, Japan clash with knockout spot on the line
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06/23/2010 -
Rustenburg, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Many times the build up to the
final match of the group stage is filled with various scenarios that would
determine what a given team would need to do in order to advance to the next
round.
But everything is pretty straightforward regarding Thursday's Group E match at
Royal Bafokeng Stadium between Japan and Denmark.
The Netherlands have already secured a spot in the next round, and it needs
only a draw against already-eliminated Cameroon to secure first place.
That leaves the match between Denmark and Japan to determine the other team
that will join the Dutch in the next round, and with both sides level on three
points, the equation is pretty simple.
Whichever team wins the match will go through, while a draw would benefit
Japan because it holds a slight edge in goal difference.
However, Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is confident that his team will get
the job done on Thursday after its 2-1 win over Cameroon last time out.
"We're now in the position we'd hoped to be in, with our destiny in our own
hands," Bendtner said. "We need to beat Japan to qualify, but if we were able
to defeat a good team like Cameroon, I don't see why we won't be able to beat
the Japanese, even if we know it'll be difficult."
One thing that will make life tougher on the Danes is the absence of central
defender Simon Kjaer, who received his second yellow card in two games last
match and will be serving a one-game suspension.
Japan will be trying to rebound from a 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands in its
last match, but it can still fulfill the bold prediction of their manager,
Takeshi Okada, who was heavily criticized by the Japanese media for saying
that he expects his team to reach the semifinals.
The Japanese have reached the round of 16 just once before, when they were co-
hosts in 2002, and while the semifinals might be a bit of a stretch, a berth
in the second round would certainly be well received back home.
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Problem with Bears?
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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