so japan qualified for the world cup with an exciting, high paced, scrappy win.
this is the kind of game that shows why soccer is such a great cultural phenomena. 3 people could watch this match and have 4 different opinions.
the good – shunsuke nakamura – tired, niggling injuries and all, stood up and took on the uzbeki midfield. worked hard to keep the ball, and to win it back. the back centre pair – strong in the air, never looking too caught out (but with crappy distribution by the start of the second half). nice work from the left wingback. intelligent use of the direct ball to create the goal – for a team who usually win the passing stats without putting the ball in the net, this is a good thing.
the bad – getting run off their feet, losing every air contest, not pressuring the ball enough, and strangely, not doing a very good job at keeping possession of the ball.
whether you are an optimist or a pessimest, i think this is the real japan. not the team who tidily won their last two friendlies/practice matches.
ps. i could write a very similar post about the socceroos, but probably won`t.
ah Clayton san
and was the goal from the free kick really offside?
Pipped us for first to qualify too.
Comment by john — June 8, 2009 @ 7:54 am
i couldn`t call it at the time, but later i saw a still showing that he was onside.
guess oz and japan won`t be in the same group this time … being conference buddies and all.
Comment by notyalcsdrawkcab — June 8, 2009 @ 8:55 am