Okada wary of Bendtner threat

(GSM) – Japan coach Takeshi Okada has pinpointed Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner as Denmark’s key man, if he is fit to play ahead of team’s tough final World Cup Group E match on Thursday.

The Gunners front man Bendtner is suffering from a groin injury, but Okada is still worried and planning to stop him.

“I think Bendtner will be the key man in their attack. They will fight under his lead,” Okada said.

But Denmark coach Morten Olsen uncertain over Bendtner inclusion in the team, he said: “There are always players who have small problems.

“Bendtner is still doubtful for the Japan game, and will continue to be regardless of how far we go in the tournament.”

Bendtner himself keen to break Japan defense, he said: “It could well be more difficult than against Cameroon.

“We have to win, so they can play very tactically. But we have a few advantages we can use, including our height.”

Japan boss wants “to fight” with the Danish Dynamite.

“It would be ideal if we can overwhelm the opposition by 10 goals, but it won’t be that easy. I think it’s going to be a very close, fierce match.”

“The coach has told us that in life you only get a few opportunities to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup and told us to give it our all,” Japan captain Makoto Hasebe said.

“Will head into the game in a positive frame of mind,” he added.

Japan needs at least a draw, while Denmark must win in order to reach the round of 16. Both teams have three points from two matches, but Japan has a better goal difference.

Japan entered 16 rounds as co-hosts at the 2002 World Cup.