Japan scored an impressive 3-1 victory over Denmark to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Blue Samurai played spiritedly to overcome the tremendous height advantage of the Danes.
What I find truly remarkable with the Japanese team is that it is playing beyond expectations. No one expects Japan to survive the elimination stage. In its tune-up games prior to the World Cup, Japan played listlessly, losing games one after the other. But the Blue Samurai surprised everyone by winning its first match at the World Cup. Now, it is going up against Paraguay in the knockout stage. Japan stands a good chance of beating Paraguay with the way it is playing.
I think the first victory of Japan spells the big difference in its current World Cup campaign. The confidence that Japan exudes has yielded results beyond expectations. With Keisuke Honda and company playing well, Japan might just improve its 2002 finish in the 2010 World Cup.
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