Denmark faced an uphill climb to advance from a group billed by many as the "Group of Depth", that task just got more difficult as star striker Nicklas Bendtner looks set to miss their opening clash against the Netherlands. The striker has been suffering with a nagging groin injury that looks set to knock him out of the Danes' first match of the World Cup.

GATTUSO TO RETIRE FROM ITALY AFTER WORLD CUP

Italy isn't getting any younger and one of its tested veterans Gennero Gattuso will retire from International Play after the World Cup after helping Italy win the World Cup in 2006. Since making his debut in 2000, the tenacious midfielder has been a key cog in the midfield for the Italians providing the intense tackles that has made Italy famous all these years.

Gattuso looks set to be on the bench for the Italians in their opening match against Paraguay.

CARDOZO TO RETURN FOR PARAGUAY

Paraguay looks to be boosted by the addition of striker Oscar Cardozo for their opening match against the defending World Champions Italy. The forward has been training away from the full team for the past several days, but is optimistic that he will be able to play in his nations opener against Italy. The health of the Benfica attacker is vital for Paraguay as the nation heads into the World Cup without its best forward Salvador Cabanas.

INIESTA A DOUBT FOR SPAIN

Spain is considered one of the favorites not only to advance from Group H, but to win their Group. They will be without one of their stars, Andres Iniesta on Saturday as it appears that the midfielder is still facing a fitness test to be ready for their opening match against Switzerland. 

Iniesta has not rejoined full training with the team as he continued to train alone on Saturday. The midfielder hurt a right thigh muscle during Spain's 6-0 victory against Poland.