Danish supporters were bullish ahead of their team’s last 16 meeting with Japan on Thursday. “We are going to slaughter the Japanese,” crowed one. Yes, there was a slaughter at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. But it wasn’t the “lambs” that perished as a Honda-powered Japan sent their supposed predators home in ignominy with a 3-1 win in Group E.
Glorious first-half free-kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo delivered a death blow to Danish hopes. The Japanese, who only needed a draw to advance along with the Netherlands, were effectively home and dry by the half-hour mark with a 2-0 lead.
It was indeed a glorious evening for Asian football. Japan, Group E runners-up, will take on Paraguay at Pretoria on Tuesday for a place in the quarterfinals. Coach Takeshi Okada’s dream of reaching the last four is just two matches away. Those who had derided the Blue Samurai boss for his “unrealistic ambition” must be scurrying for cover now.
There was a hush when Honda lined up a freekick from 30 yards out on the right. Like a long-jumper planning his steps, the forward measured his run-up. After a brief countdown, a left-footed rocket released by the Honda hit its target, the far corner, leaving Denmark goalie Thomas Sorensen stranded. The 19th edition of the World Cup hasn’t seen a better free-kick so far. Everything about the freekick — the angle, swing, velocity and force — was perfect.
Lightning struck the Danes once again. Midfielder Endo did the damage this time, with his right foot, from just outside the penalty box. It was another masterpiece. Endo emulated Honda, with the choice of foot being the only difference.
The Danes pulled one back from the spot in the 81st minute but didn’t have the energy and belief to write a fantasy script.
Honda then still had time to set up substitute Shinji Okazaki three minutes from time. After beating a defender with a Cruyff drag inside the box, the Japanese superstar unselfishly squared the ball to Okazaki for a simple tap-in.