Denmark's Jon Dahl Tomasson walks away in front of celebrating Japan players after their 2010 World Cup Group E soccer match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg June 24, 2010. [Agencies]

Japan's Shinji Okazaki shoots to score past Denmark's goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen during their 2010 World Cup Group E soccer match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg June 24, 2010. [Agencies]

Japanese delight

On a cold night at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Japan were in control from the start and stretched the Danish defence with ease.

Their intricate, almost meticulous, one-touch play and the speed of their movement created a series of chances before they took the lead after 17 minutes with a superb goal by Honda.

Taking a free-kick 30 metres out on the right, the blue-gloved striker with bleached hair struck a left-foot shot that faded to the left and away from the flat-footed Danish keeper Thomas Sorensen, who looked helpless.

Denmark tried to exploit their clear height advantage with attempted high crosses, but it was a ploy the Japanese blunted with excellent marking and brave defensive play. Tall striker Nicklas Bendtner, one of three Danes to be cautioned, was easily kept quiet.

If that revived their hopes, it was only for six minutes. Then Honda again showed the dexterity of his left foot by dancing into the penalty area, dummying Dennis Rommedahl and unselfishly passing for Okazaki to score from close range and spark wild celebrations.