Japan beat Denmark, reach knockout stage

RUSTENBURG - Japan reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time on foreign soil by beating Denmark 3-1 Thursday to claim second place in Group E.

Keisuke Honda scored a classy free kick in the 17th minute and Yasuhito Endo added another free kick goal at the 30-minute mark at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Jon Dahl Tomasson cut the deficit in the 81st minute after Japan keeper Elji Kawashima stopped his penalty attempt, before Shinji Okazaki completed the scoreline three minutes from time.

Japan’s second victory gave them six points to finish second in Group E behind Netherlands with nine points. The Asians, who reached the Round of 16 as co-hosts in 2002, will face Group F winners Paraguay in the Round of 16 Tuesday.

Denmark failed to advance from the first round for the first time in their fourth World Cup, finishing with three points for third place.