The Asians seem to have figured out the Jabulani.
Two free kicks magnificently struck by Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo beat Thomas Sorensen to send Japan two goals up. Shunsuke Nakamura could not have done it better.
In the South Korea vs Nigeria match, Park Chu Young became the first to score a goal through a free kick in this World Cup.
Honda was not finished yet and in the 87th minute showed a lovely bit of skill in getting past the Danish defense before passing the ball to Shinji Okazaki to finish off the scoring.
The Danes pulled one back in the 80th minute when Daniel Agger was fouled by Makoto Hasebe and referee Jerome Damon pointed to the penalty spot. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s effort was saved by Eiji Kawashima but he was able to put the ball through on the rebound. Kawashima effected some magnificent saves. These Japanese goalkeepers are turning out to be world class.
Japan played attacking and inventive football. Keisuke Honda, the livewire CSKA midfielder seen recently against Sevilla will be a very sought after player once the World Cup is over. They will meet Paraguay as they finish second in Group E.