While we can’t be sure who will win
this game, it’s logical to assume the match at the Royal Bafokeng
Stadium will be a low-scoring affair. Danish goalkeeper Thomas
Sorenson has already spoken about how the team will need to be
patient as they search for a way to break down a spirited and
defensive Japan side.
The Blue Samurai achieved a 1-0 victory
against Cameroon in the first match thanks to superior organisation
and the ability to shut out the opposition after going into the lead.
Therefore, Denmark will have to firstly make sure that they cut out
the sloppy errors, before looking at their offensive approach to the
game.
Nicklas Bendtner once again proved his
worth to the team with the equaliser against the Indomitable Lions,
although he might not get too many chances to score in Rustenburg.
Takeshi Okada looks prepared to leave out Shunsuke Nakamura from the
starting line-up in a bid to keep things extra tight.
PREDICTION:
UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.61 with Expekt
Power Rating
Squad (3/5)
Very well balanced team, who against Portugal and Sweden proved they could keep their nerve when it matters.
Squad (2/5)
Quite simply does not have the standard of players required to progress very far in a difficult group in a World Cup. A lot depends on Nakamura and Honda.
Coach: (3.5/5)
Olsen knows his players and Danish football intimately and his experience will be invaluable in a difficult group.
Coach (2/5)
Okada is renowned in Japan as a tactician and with better players he might be an effective manager but there are doubts to how much confidence his own football association have in him.
Strikers: (3/5)
This is a group that may be decided by goal difference and much may depend on Bendtner’s form. If he is scoring goals in the way he did for Arsenal in the last third of the season, then Denmark have a vital edge.
Attack (1.5/5)
This is not a team that is likely to score goals. In France they managed one; in Germany it was two. Three in South Africa will be an achievement.
Defence (3.5/5)
It may the small things that decide how far Denmark progress and in Sorensen they possess one of the best savers of a penalty in world football. A back four anchored around Agger is also a formidable proposition.
Defence (3/5)
Good, solid and well organised and in the shape of Tulio and Nakasawa it contains two of Japan’s most impressive footballers.