Denmark 1-3 Japan
Goals~ Den: Tomasson'81; Jap: Honda'17, Endo'30, Okazaki'87
Match Summary
# Man of the Match: Keisuke Honda - Scored one of a pair of sensational free-kicks for the Blue Samurai, and aside from that looked a threat whenever he had the ball at his feet - also providing a beautifully worked assist for Okazaki's goal. Showed excellent distribution and offered an effective outlet throughout; proved again at these finals that he is a player who possesses genuine class.
Note: Official MOM - Keisuke Honda (Japan)
# Denmark verdict: Completely one-dimensional, Morten Olsen's side were woeful in the first-half and though they threw caution to the wind in the second, the Danes were unable to unlock a compact and well-drilled Japanese unit. On this showing, they certainly deserve to be heading out of the tournament with their tails between their legs.
# Japan verdict: Impressive. Passed crisply, moved intelligently and finished clinically. Looked very comfortable in possession and a warning to their second round opponents Paraguay - underestimate this Japan team at your peril. A completely different side to the one that was in such dreadful form coming into the tournament, Japan are now hitting the high notes at the right time.
# Could do better: Thomas Sorensen - A player who has a reputation for being one of the Premier League's most consistent performers was anything but against Japan. Should have done better with Honda's free-kick after being completely wrong-footed, and set-up his wall completely wrong for Endo's goal. Was almost embarrassed a la David Seaman v Brazil at the 2002 World Cup but managed to gather unconvincingly.
# Stat attack: Japan's goal was the fastest they have ever scored in a World Cup match (previous mark was 26th minute against Australia in 2006).
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