Danes urged to treat crunch clash with Japan as a final

Published on 23/06/2010 22:33

DENMARK coach Morten Olsen is hoping for some traditional 'Danish dynamite' from his team's attack in tonight's decisive Group E clash with Japan.

Olsen, who captained Denmark when they made their impressive 'dynamic' debut at the World Cup finals in 1986, acknowledged Japan are well- organised and difficult opponents but said his side will treat the game as if it was a final. "It is a decisive game, hopefully the first final for us," said the 60-year-old. "We know what we have to do – we just have to be confident."

After one win and one defeat each in their opening games, both nations are level on three points. For Japan, a draw would take them through to the second round for the second time, but for Denmark it would signal elimination.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada, who targeted a semi-final place before the tournament began, warned his players to prepare for the "match of their lives" at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

He added that Nicklas Bendtner, back from injury, was the chief threat and they would have to "cut off the supply for him".

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