Dubliner Fans Happy with Japan's Play

The Auld Dubliner, Tustin District

Japan's last chance to qualify for the second round occurred June 24 in Rustenburg. Denmark has been eliminated. World Cup fans slowly entered The Auld Dubliner in the Tustin District at 11:30 a.m. to witness Japan's win over Denmark.

Japan's Endo was yellow-carded in the 11th minute. The team's primary scorer, Honda, left-footed a goal on a penalty kick in the 16th minute. His teammate, Nagatomo, was yellow-carded in the 25th minute. Denmark's Kroldrup was yellow-carded after he tugged on his opponent's shirt in the 28th minute. Another goal from a penalty kick was awarded to Japan as Endo kicked the ball straight to the corner of the net in the 29th minute. A short while after the second half began, Japan's goalie was slightly hurt. Denmark's Bendtner was yellow-carded in the 65th minute, but his teammate, Tomasson, provided his team with a goal as the ball rebounded off the goalie during a penalty kick in the 80th minute. Japan's last goal happened late in the game to bring the result to 1-3.

Pub guests following the match

Tim Ong, from Placentia, wanted Japan to win and noted that it wasn't luck for the team to score on the penalty kicks. Kevin Vuong, from Irvine, was also rooting for the Japanese team. These men believe Honda and Matsui are the players to look out for.

Tim Ong and Kevin Vuong talk about Japan's performance

San Diego resident Peter Jensen, from Copenhagen, was disappointed that Denmark lost and said the team has played better previously. He hopes the USA will win, now that the Danish team has left the competition, but thinks Brazil or Portugal have the highest chances of owning the trophy.

Peter Jensen disappointed in Denmark

American-born Ichiro Suzuki, of Japanese heritage, was drinking rounds of Guinness and Johnny walker for his birthday at the Irish pub. He said the Dubliner has "the best Guinness in town." His team is the USA, whom he hopes will beat Ghana soon. Furthermore, he wants Korea to beat Uruguay so that The Yanks will have an easier game. He believes team USA will prove a point by defeating North Korea, since their communist dictator approves of negative political aspects. "I'm all about America winning and going all the way...go USA, go Donovan!" He also hopes Dempsey has a better game, because he was "pure rubbish!"

Ichiro Suzuki's hopes for the USA team