Japan has jumped out to a surprising 2-0 lead over Denmark after 45 minutes, putting them one half from their second knockout stage appearance.
Japan’s match with Denmark was expected to be a close affair, but direct kick goals from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo have given the Blue Samurai a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime.
Keisuke Honda opened scoring in the 17th minute with a left-footed ball into the side netting from 26-yards out, the goal aided by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen’s misread of the kick.
Yasuhito Endo added Japan’s second goal in the 30th minute with a direct kick into Sorensen’s lower left-hand corner from 22 yards out.
Japan needs only a draw to go through to the knockout stage, carrying a goal difference advantage over Denmark into today’s match.