Both the Netherlands and Italy were on show for the first time, but it was the former showing it was a World Cup bolter and the latter held to a surprise draw which could see the pair face each other in a potentially mouth-watering Round of 16 clash.
The Dutch were simply themselves.
The attractive passing game was, for the most part, too good for Denmark.
Although the Danes had a couple of first half chances, the Netherlands were an organized and disciplined star-studded line up that showed it is more than capable of progressing deep into the tournament.
Inject Arjen Robben and there’s further improvement.
The diagonal passes through midfield opened up plenty of space, although the final touch in the final third was lacking with Robin van Persie looking rusty.
The game-breaking goal was an own goal from an unlucky Simon Poulsen, whose header skimmed Daniel Agger’s back and found the corner of the net.
Dirk Kuyt rounded off the win when he followed up after Eljero Elia, who was beautifully fed behind by Wesley Sneijder, struck the post.
With the likes of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Mark van Bommel, van Persie, Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Kuyt, the Dutch are a dangerous unit.
Add the lively Elia to that list along with Robben and there’s competition for spots.
There is for any side with the likes of Ryan Babel and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar unused.
The Dutch will finish top with games against Japan and Cameroon coming up – two sides that won’t trouble the Netherlands.
Waiting in the round of 16 is the second-placed team from Group F and it could be Italy after its 1-1 draw with Paraguay.
It’ll most likely come down to goal difference if both teams are successful against New Zealand and Slovakia.
The Italians dictated play for the first half an hour, pinning the South Americans deep into their own half.
But there were few clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities created by an Italian team reliant on a short, sharp and accurate passing game and movement off the ball.
The Paraguayans eventually settled and Antolin Alcaraz exposed the Italian defence with a header from a set piece.
An error from Paraguayan keeper Justo Villar allowed Daniele De Rossi to slide in and find the equalizer at the back post.
A potential clash with the Netherlands awaits for the team that finishes second.
Would Italy beat the Netherlands?
Can the Dutch win the tournament?
BEST GOAL: Antolin Alcaraz (Paraguay) – a nice header from the set piece on a day where only four goals were scored.
LOVE TO BE: Keisuke Honda (Japan) – only goal of a poor game but enough to score his team three points and attain a possible progression to the next stage.
HATE TO BE: Justo Villar (Paraguay) – looked composed and safe before coming out and failing to get anything from a corner, allowing De Rossi to equalize.
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