Japan on brink of next round of World Cup with 2-0 lead over Denmark after 75 minutes

Japan leads Denmark 2-0 after 75 minutes at WCup

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Japan is on the brink of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup, holding a 2-0 lead over Denmark after 75 minutes Thursday thanks to goals off two free kicks in the first half.

Keisuke Honda struck first with a shot that went over the wall and dipped left past Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen in the 17th minute. Yasuhito Endo then curled a free kick around the wall and inside the right post in the 30th.

Endo nearly made it 3-0 from a floating free kick in the 48th that sailed over Sorensen’s head, but the misplaced goalkeeper tipped the ball onto his right post.

Denmark needs three goals, because it must win in order to advance from Group E, but the team has wasted several chances. Japan needs only a draw.