Denmark vs. Japan: Players to look out for from the Japanese side
Japan takes on Denmark in an attempt to secure their progression to the round of 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. If they are to do it, it will be a remarkable feat indeed, as Japan’s status as a footballing tiger in at least the Asian continent is in the process of being written off.
Their position of preeminence is under threat by the likes of South Korea and Australia. With South Korea already securing their place in the last 16 of the tournament and Australia winning their last match against Serbia but failing to make it past the group stages Japan will be looking to at least match their Asian neighbors.
Japan need at least a draw against Denmark in their last group game of the world cup. At the moment they stand at a perfect position. Their goal difference is better than Denmark so a nil all draw will suit the Japanese. A win would most certainly do them better as they will break the points tie and progress through. To achieve a result against the Danish, Japanese players will first of all need to step up their game. Against Netherlands they were very average and a similar display against a Danish side which is disciplined, experienced and fluid in attack would be embarrassing.
Here are some of the Japanese players, who could play a crucial role in Japan’s encounter against Demark.
Keisuke Honda first of all, plays as a midfielder but can be shifted to a Striking position. He has played 17 times for Japan on an international level up till now, and has scored five goals. His first goal in the FIFA World Cup 2010 came against Cameroon as he expertly finished off a cross into the top left corner of the goal.His performance in the above stated match also earned him the man of the match award from FIFA. His form and movement will be essential for the Japanese in attack.
Next is Yuji Nakazawa, who is the captain of the Japanese national team, is one of the only three players in the history of Japanese football to have had played over a hundred games for his country. He plays at the center of the Japanese defense and played a key role in restricting Cameroon’s striker Samuel Eto’ from scoring in the group stage match between the Japan and Cameroon. His experience at the back will be instrumental as the Japanese will look to keep a check on the tall Danish striker Nicolas Bendtner and the equally dangerous ex-AC Milan striker Jon Dahl Tomasson
The 23 year old striker Shinji Okazaki, who plays in the Japanese league was declared by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics as the top goal scorer for the year 2009. He scored 15 times for the Japanese national team during that year, which was more than any other player during that calendar year. He came off the bench against Netherlands for Japan to good effect but unfortunately was unable to score in the match. He also holds a unique record of never being on the losing side with Japan after scoring for them in a game. He might start on the bench against the Danish but his introduction into the game can be expected during the second half of the match. He has so far scored 16 times for Japan and in a total of 30 games.
Yasuhito Endo is the heart of the Japanese midfield. Endo is one of the most creative influences in the Japanese side. His performance against the Dutch was remarkable even though the game ended in a 1-0 loss for Japan. His capabilities to break up attacks and also play pin point accurate passes make him a vital figure in the middle of the park for Japan. Nick named “Mr.Cool” because of the way he takes penalties for Japan, Endo might be deployed in a much more defensive role today in the Japanese midfield to counter Danish attacks especially from the wings through Dennis Rommedahl and Jesper Gronkjaer. His performance in the game will be vital to Japanese hopes of qualification to the round of sixteen.
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