What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Denmark vs Japan (Group E)
When: Thursday 23rd June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Royal Bakofeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
A Case of Pride
Denmark are certainly one of the more low key sides in the World Cup, despite having more than a handful of talented players, many have overlooked their chances. After looking more than lacklustre against Holland in their opening game, the 1992 European Champions bounced back into contention with a solid win over a self-destructive Cameroon.
The old guard of Dennis Rommedahl and the bristling young Arsenal star Nicklas Bendtner greatly impressed against the Africans, and above just scoring goals, the two looked dangerous at all times, causing havoc in the Cameroonian defence.
After bouncing back, the Danes have renewed confidence in their ability to make it to the last 16. However, they will be missing influential defender Simon Kjaer in their do-or-die match.
Japan-easy
Few would have picked Japan to be serious contenders for the second round as they had failed to register a win away from home in a World Cup finals. Takeshi Okada has set his sights on the semi-finals and there are encouraging signs for the Blue Samurai. A dour victory over Cameroon and a narrow 1-0 loss to Holland have painted a relatively positive picture for Japan.
Tulio Tanaka has definitely shown his leadership credentials at the back with some commanding performances. Keisuke Honda too has caught the eye particularly with his goal against Cameroon and his general play against the Dutch. Also, the whole team has been playing very cohesively under Okada which has been a surprise, particularly because of reports of unrest in the lead-up to South Africa.
With only one card so far this campaign, Okada will be very happy to have a full squad to choose from, but whether or not he will be willing to apply a pointier end to the daihyo attack is very much open to debate, with many touting Catania man Takayuki Morimoto as the answer.
Recent form
Denmark:
South Africa 1–0 Denmark (05/06; Friendly)
Holland 2–0 Denmark (14/06; World Cup – Group E)
Denmark 2–1 Cameroon (19/06; World Cup – Group E)
Japan:
Japan 0–2 Cote d’Ivoire (04/06; Friendly)
Japan 1–0 Cameroon (14/06; World Cup – Group E)
Holland 1–0 (19/06 World Cup – Group E)
Players to watch
Denmark – Daniel Agger: An absolute stalwart at the back, Agger is going to have to be at his best with defensive partner Simon Kjaer resting on the sidelines. The Liverpool centre back will be looking to negate an unpredictable Japanese attack. If Agger can keep Japan out, it is simply up to the attacking might of the Danish to win the game.
Japan – Daisuke Matsui: A surprising livewire at this year’s World Cup, the right-winger has been yet another spark for Japan going forward. Largely overlooked during qualifying, the Grenoble star has shown how important his overseas experience is, beating his man more often than not, and generally being a thorn in the side of the opposition. If Japan attack, expect it to be down the centre, or down the right with the Kyoto native.
Match prediction
Japan only require a draw to make it through, with a goal difference of zero to their advantage, and that may well play into Okada’s hands. With Japan doing very well to keep Holland at bay for so long, the odds of playing a defensive game will be on the cards.
Denmark are going to have to be patient, but it could be argued that the Danish lack the creativity needed to unlock the Japanese. There are some aging legs combined with youth, but with not much of a creamy centre.
The Japanese have the potential to run rings around Denmark, but expect them to park the bus in front of goal and for go for the draw.
Don’t forget: If you fancy a bet on this exciting game, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.
