Japan v Denmark – Group E preview
Both sides have claimed three points in Group E heading into Thursday's showdown but it is the Japanese who occupy the all-important second qualifying spot behind leaders Netherlands.
However, it is Denmark who come into the game with the momentum, following their classy victory over Cameroon and they know this is a must-win. But the edge is with the Japanese who know a draw will be enough for them to secure the all-important second spot.
With both sides playing contrasting styles of football, it is sure to be an intriguing encounter. Japan are highly disciplined and focus their play on their defensive game, while the Danes like to attack, especially down the wings with Dennis Rommedahl, who is having a fantastic tournament.
Another route Denmark may look to exploit is the lack of height in the Japanese backline, and in Nikolas Bendtner they possess the perfect target man.
And the Arsenal forward believes their psychical advantage could be the difference between the sides.
“Japan is a good team and very defensive, but I believe in the strength we have,” Bendtner said.
“We know we have to score. But if we can hold the ball up and use the height we have in attack then I believe that could break any defence down.”
There have been no reports of fresh injury worries in the Danish camp, though Simon Kjaer picked up his second yellow card of the competition last time out and is therefore suspended.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada, who was under huge pressure before the tournament, expects a very close encounter between the two nations.
“I think it will be a very big match for both sides,” Okada said.
“To win such a big match, I think in a sense we need something beyond the team's tactics.
It would be ideal if we can overwhelm the opposition by ten goals. But it won't be that easy. I think it's going to be a very close, fierce match.”
After Japan’s battling performance against the Netherlands, Okada is set to name the same side for the all-important decider.
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