World Cup 2010: Missed chances cost Denmark, says Olsen

Highlights - Denmark 1-3 Japan

Morten Olsen criticised Denmark's poor finishing as they bowed out of the World Cup in the group stages for the first time with a 3-1 defeat by Japan.

Japan scored two early free-kicks in a game the Danes had to win.

"They took their chances, we didn't take ours and it became an uphill struggle," Denmark coach Olsen said.

"The way the whole match evolved was decided by the two free-kicks. We knew which two players were going to take them. We prepared, but it didn't help."

Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo curled in superb free-kicks in the first 20 minutes to put the game beyond the Danes.

Jon Dahl Tomasson briefly gave Denmark hope, tucking in his 52nd international goal after Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima had saved his initial effort. But Shinji Okazaki ensured the Danes would fail to reach the second phase for the first time, playing in their fourth World Cup finals.

606: DEBATE We are a small country and we have done well just qualifying. Proud of every player that went to South Africa for us. elbobo1st

It could have been so different though had Tomasson connected with Simon Poulsen's deflected cross, or Per Kroldrup not volleyed wide in the opening 15 minutes.

Tomasson also saw a shot drift inches wide just before Honda smashed in Japan's opener.

"Of course sometimes you miss opportunities but that is what makes the difference at this level," Olsen added.

"I don't think we played a bad match. Have we failed? I will leave that for others to decide."