Denmark vs Japan Preview and Betting Odds

Denmark must beat Japan to advance

While most fans view the Japan vs Denmark game at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on June 24 to be for second place, one of these teams could actually win group E with a little luck. Both teams come into the match tied for second place with three points each while Holland leads the group with six and Cameroon sits in last place with none.

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If Denmark or Japan win and Holland is upset by Cameroon, the winner of this game will be tied for first place. However, Holland is sitting with a goal difference of plus 3, while Japan is even and Denmark is at minus 1. This means the goal difference would have to be eradicated for Holland to be knocked off the top of the group, but anything’s possible in football. Holland would clinch first place with a single point against Cameroon.

A draw in this game would see Japan go through to the next round because of the goal difference, so Denmark has to win to advance. But the news isn’t good in the Danish camp as it’s possible that striker Nicklas Bendtner will miss the match due to a groin injury while defender Simon Kjaer is suspended for the game due to two yellow cards.

On the plus side, Denmark has made it to the second round in their previous three trips to the world Cup and has a good record against Asian teams, winning 10, drawing three, and losing just one. They will be going into the game with some confidence after beating Cameroon 2-1 in their last game, which was a huge improvement over their 2-0 loss to Holland in their opener. On the other hand, Japan has only one win against a European team in their six World Cup games against them.

Japan won their first World cup game on foreign soil with a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their first match, but then lost a close 1-0 decision to Holland. Japanese goaltenders have had a problem handling long shots recently and look for Denmark to shoot from a distance.

Winger Dennis Rommedahl is playing well for Denmark and he can still put the ball in the net, and he may have to if Bendter is out. He’s also adept at setting up his teammates for scoring chances. Japan will be relying on 26-year-old midfielder and captain Makoto Hasebe to inspire his team. He’s a good tackler and also has fine playmaking skills. Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen is also in fine form as is Japanese counterpart Yasuhito Endo.

Odds and Betting Tips

History isn’t on Japan’s side as they’ve only scored more than one goal in two of their total 12 World Cup games and have never won a match when letting in a goal. However, they don’t have to win this one and should be able to hang on with a 1-1 draw. A bet on a draw pays 3.30 (+230, 23/10) at Bodog (US friendly).

The teams have played each other just once before with Denmark winning 3-2. Ladbrokes has Denmark favoured in this game with their odds of winning set at 5/4. A Japanese victory is listed at 47/20, while the odds of a draw are 9/4.

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