Jon Dahl Tomasson, who missed several earlier chances, followed up his own penalty to pull one back for Denmark after 81 minutes.

BBC: Denmark 1-3 Japan

In the driving rain, the Danes scored three times inside 25 minutes with goals from Martin Jorgenson, Morten Wieghorst and Jon Dhal Tomasson, and a play-off place was theirs.

BBC: Denmark form guide

Ex-Newcastle striker Jon Dahl Tomasson has been in great form and Chelsea goalkeeper Ed De Goey's former understudy, Jerzy Dudek has been named as the most in-form keeper in the world on a Fifa list.

BBC: Chelsea look for Dutch courage