Fifa world cup : Denmark Vs Japan Denmark must win Japan needs draw or win
Denmark and Japan head into their final Group E clash, with one simple objective; take their team to the next round. Win; the glory is yours. Loose, well, be ready to face the wrath of the expecting fans and cruel media. Japan has never qualified past the group stages, apart from the World Cup held in their own territory. Denmark, however, have had an impressive run in their last 3 World Cup campaign, as they have never been eliminated in the group stages.
Japan, however, would even settle for a draw, owing to their superior goal difference. Denmark enters a must win contest. Netherlands have already qualified for the next round, with two wins over Japan and Denmark. If the Dutch however lose their bout against Cameroon, it’s open to all 3 runner ups to clinch a place into the next round.
Japanese Coach, Takeshi Okada, feels the pressure going into all important fixtures. “It’s going to be a very close, high-pressure match,” predicts the Japanese coach. “The players know what is at stake. They see the opportunity to achieve something truly special.” Nicholas Bendtner, Arsenal front man and Denmark’s key striker also had to say entering into this tasteful contest. He claimed that he’d be hugely disappointed if his team fails to deliver at the right time.
Denmark currently holds 3 points from a maximum of six. A close fought victory over Cameroon didn’t impress the Dane’s Coach Morten Olsen, who criticised his defence as being “unworthy of the World Cup”. Their attacking and all-action display against the Netherlands by the two front men Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl, however, did impress the coach.
Japan remained steadfast in their opening match against the Cameroon side. They were strong, athletic and fearless when they faced the Africans. A tight 1-0 victory followed, after a truly gruelling encounter between the two fighting football nations. Their ability was also shown in their match against the Netherlands, where the Dutch only managed a 1-0 victory against the Blue Samurais. It was truly a tough contest between the two, and the Netherlands, given their heritage and experience, only managed a narrow victory. The Japanese, therefore, proved their mettle and made a point that they are not to be taken easy.
Danish defence is to play an important role in this epic encounter. Failure to defend against the Japanese, and they will be punished. Daniel Agger would want to be on his toes for the entire match and stop the attacking play of the Blue Samurais. 34-year-old Martin Jorgensen, having played 10 FIFA World Cup matches, looks to add his experience and knowledge of playing at such an important stage. Danish’s team have all the talent and strength they require to advance, but their strikers would have to work overtime and help at the back along with creating a number of opportunities to break Takeshi Okada’s men.
Yuji Nakazawa, Japanese defender was aware of his responsibilities at the back. He vowed to improve the back line and is aware of the Danish Dynamites. He explained that the defender would have to keep a tighter line and prevent the attackers to pick up the ball in good positions inside the box.
Keisuke Honda, Daisuke Matsui and Yoshito Okubo would be looking to exploit the Danish side by their lightening quick counter attacks. Honda, the scorer against Cameroon, would want to shrug off the defeat his side had to suffer against the Dutch, and play in the new position with more confidence. After given the attacking midfield role, Honda looked lethal against Cameroon, and would be hoping to add another goal to his name. In all, it would be 90 minutes of fast and exciting football. Both teams would give their all if they are to take their respective nations to the next round. A single mistake or a lazy defensive display can cost either team the match and each team would be counting on their defence to deplete the number of chances expected to be created. Japan look to be the favourites in this one; but if they do overcome the Danish, it would be via a single goal lead.
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