2010 FIFA World Cup, Group E: Opening Wins For Clockwork Orange and Blue Samurai

Group E play in the World Cup commenced in South Africa on Monday with two games.

At Johannesburg:

The Netherlands got their World Cup campaign off on the right track with a 2-0 shutout over Denmark.  The Danes' Daniel Agger's own goal at 46 minutes put the Clockwork Orange on the scoreboard.  Dirk Kuyt delivered the insurance goal at 85 minutes for the Dutch.  In the above photo from Tim Groothius for US Presswire, here is Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, stopping a shot from Eljero Elia.

At Bloemfontein:

Heisuke Honda's goal in the 39th minute powered Japan to their first World Cup game victory away from home as the Blue Samurai knocked off Cameroon 1-0.  Here, Heisuke is flanked in celebration by teammates Yuto Nagatoma (left) and Marcus Tulio Tanaka (right) in this snapshot from Eugene Hoshiko for Associated Press.

GROUP E STANDINGS:

1. Netherlands (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. Japan (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Cameroon (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
4. Denmark (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)