Endof The Road For Denmark: Denmark 1-3 Japan 24/6/10

Denmark line-up: Soensen, C.Poulsen, Agger, Jacobsen, Tomasson (c), Jorgensen (J.Poulsen, 34'), Bendtner, Kahlenberg (Eriksen, 63'), Kroldrup (Larsen, 56'), S.Poulsen, Rommedahl
Japan line-up: Kawashima, Abe, Komano, Tulio, Nagatomo, Endo (Inamoto, 91'), Matsui (Okazaki, 74'), Okubo (Konno, 88'), Hasebe (c), Honda, Nakazawa

Japan get the better of Denmark in their do or die match meaning Japan progress to a match up against Paraguay. Even though Japan knew a draw would be enough for them they looked most attacking the first half, Sorensen was forced into action early on to prevent Japan taking an early lead. However Denmark did create chances early on with Tomasson blazing a shot wide of Kawashima's goal. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute direct from a free-kick; Honda striking from 30 yards to find the top left-hand corner giving Sorensen no chance. Denmark began to press for the equaliser and Tomasson could have achieved it but Kawashima pulled of a great parry to prevent it. Japan were two up on the half hour mark from another free-kick; this time five yards closer and Endo emulated Honda's success with a great placement into the bottom corner past Sorensen's diving body. Denmark made an early substitute to try and change the losing midfield battle and Denmark tried to give Japan a taste of their own medicine but Jakob Poulsen's free-kick was easily smothered by Kawashima. Japan still looked for more goals and Sorensen was tested by Komano effort that he had to punch over the bar.

The second half continued in the same vain and Denmark struggled from yet another testing free-kick; Sorensen mad a mess of Endo's strike but managed to put it onto the post and away to safety. Denmark continued creating half-chances but nothing of real quality to get one back for the Danes and Japan looked very dangerous on the counter attack. Again Tomasson failed to take advantage of great opportunities but just about managed to redeem himself somewhat nine minutes from time; Agger was fouled in the box and Tomasson stepped up to take the penalty, it was saved by Kawashima but Tomasson managed to convert the rebound but it was too little too late. That goal meant Tomasson had equalled Poul Nielsen's all time goal scoring record of 52 goals at international level. there was still time for Japan to get a third, Honda provided some fancy footwork to provide a killer pass beating both Sorensen and Rommedahl leaving substitute Okazaki with a tap in into the empty net.