Denmark and Japan are going to take on each other in a very important Group E encounter tonight (24 June) at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg with both sides looking to clinch 3 points in their pursuit of progressing to the knock out stage of the World Cup 2010.
With Netherlands already through to the second round and Cameroon out of the tournament, the competition for the second place in the group is now up for grab only for Denmark and Japan.
Japan and Denmark are now level on 3 points after 2 matches. Japan got off to a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon, but lost to Netherlands in the second match by the same margin.
Denmark, on the other hand, did not have a good start as they were defeated by Netherlands 2-0 in their opening match. However, the Danes bounced back in the second fixture clinching a 2-1 win over Cameroon.
Though they are level on points, Japan has a slight advantage due to their better goal difference. Japan scored 1 goal and conceded 1 goal so far in the tournament, and thus, having a 0 goal difference. On the other hand, Denmark has a -1 goal difference after scoring 2 and conceding 3 goals.
It is pretty much clear that the winning side of the match would accompany Netherlands to the next round. However, even a draw would be enough for Japan as they have better goal difference, while Denmark has no option other than a victory.
Comparing Japan’s performance in the pre-tournament friendly matches, the Asian side showed some spectacular performance in the first two matches. So, they would be full of confident ahead of the match. Denmark, after their 2-1 come from back victory over Cameroon, would be no less confident and determined than their opponents.
It is very hard to make any prediction when two same quality sides face each other with same level of intensity and determination. Considering all the aspects, it seems the match could end up in a draw and Japan would not be disappointed with that. Overall, it seems both sides would put on some entertaining performance for the football fans.
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