World Cup capsules for Italy-Paraguay, Netherlands-Denmark,Cameroon-Japan

Monday WCup lookahead capsules

Capsules for Monday’s matches at the World Cup (FIFA rankings in parentheses):

Despite reaching the finals of the 1974 and ‘78 World Cups, the Dutch have only one major title: the 1988 European Championship. Denmark also has a Euro crown, in 1992.

Netherlands: Winger Arjen Robben (hamstring) isn’t likely to play, but the Dutch are loaded with scorers, including Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel, Rafael van der Vaart, Robin Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt.

Denmark: The Netherlands defense is suspect, but Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) could be out, along with forward Jon Dahl Tomasson. Dennis Rommedahl figures to start.

Notable Fact: The two teams won their qualifying groups with a combined one defeat in 18 games, with the Dutch going undefeated.

Cameroon has had some discord, with former star Roger Milla criticizing current standout Samuel Eto’o. Japan has had no such disharmony.

Cameroon: Eto’o helped Inter Milan win the Champions League and is as creative as any striker in the tournament. He’s the Indomitable Lions’ career scoring leader with 42 goals.

Japan: Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, a free kick specialist, leads Japan, which lost its last four friendlies heading toward the World Cup.

Notable Fact: Japan reached the second round when it co-hosted in 2002, but has never won a World Cup match on foreign soil in three previous appearances.

Paraguay President Fernando Lugo sent a letter to the players asking them to play for former striker Salvador Cabanas, who survived a gunshot wound to the head and is still recovering.

Italy: As always, defense is at the forefront for the Italians, led by 2006 star Fabio Cannavaro and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Paraguay: The Paraguayans nearly won South American qualifying and have dangerous forwards Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios.

Notable Fact: Italy has won four World Cups, second only to Brazil’s five, and coach Marcello Lippi has returned after leading the Azzurri to the 2006 crown.