There were contrasting emotions for Liverpool stars Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Daniel Agger on Thursday evening as Holland powered into the last 16 of the World Cup, but Denmark were sent crashing out.

The Netherlands set up a meeting with Martin Skrtel's Slovakia after they ensured a first-placed finish in Group E with a 2-1 win over Cameroon.

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Kuyt figured for 67 minutes in Cape Town and played a key role in Robin Van Persie's opener, cleverly stepping over Rafael Van Der Vaart's pass to allow the Arsenal striker to drill home.

Cameroon threatened to end the Dutch's 100 per cent record in the tournament as Samuel Eto'o drew the Africans level with a second-half penalty.

However, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar sealed another victory for Holland with an 87^th minute tap in after Arjen Robben's shot had cannoned against the post.

Babel remained an unused substitute for Oranje, while elsewhere in Group E there was disappointment for Agger after Denmark suffered a 3-1 defeat to Japan in Rustenburg.

Both sides went into the clash with hopes of making the knockout phase, but the Japanese raced into a two-goal first-half lead thanks to stunning free-kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo.

The Danes rarely looked like getting back into the contest, although Agger helped give them late hope when he won a penalty which allowed Jon Dahl Tomasson to reduce the arrears on 81 minutes.

But Japan made certain of the three points when substitute Shinji Okazaki netted just moments later.

Here are a selection of photos from Thursday's action.