Japan leads Denmark 1-0 after 30 minutes in World Cup Group E decider

Japan leads Denmark 1-0 after 30 minutes

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda’s swerving free kick gave his team a 1-0 lead against Denmark after 30 minutes of their critical Group E match at the World Cup on Thursday.

Honda’s shot went over the wall and dipped to the left past Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen’s outstretched fingers in the 17th minute. Japan needs only a draw to get through to the next round, while Denmark needs to win.

Denmark had an opportunity in the third minute when forward Jon Dahl Tomasson squared a pass to Simon Poulsen in front of goal, but the left back’s effort went over the bar. Denmark tried to use its considerable height advantage over the Japanese players by attempting crosses into the area in search of a headed goal.