The link I provided before seems to not be working anymore, but I came by other better highlight clips of the game, so I'll make it available here.
Japan vs. Brazil Highlights Video 13 MB file, so the download will take a little while. Please right click and download.
Here's a link to a Fantastic Highlights Video: warning the file is about 60MB so the download will take time. The link will take you to the download page.
Japan vs. Brazil Highlights Video 13 MB file, so the download will take a little while. Please right click and download.
Here's a link to a Fantastic Highlights Video: warning the file is about 60MB so the download will take time. The link will take you to the download page.
Another deliriously long entry from me. A wrap-up of the Brazil game and Japan's recent month. For VIDEO CLIPS, click here for the entry linking to clips.
Happy 27th Birthday to Shunsuke Nakamura!!
The Joy of Football
I don't know if those of you who watched this game noticed this: in the second half, while Japan was still trailing 1-2, there was a play where the ball went from Kaji on the right to Nakamura on the top right side of the box who then nudged it horizontally towards the center for Fukunishi who had run up for the direct shot. The shot went high and a little out, but when the cameras closed up on Nakamura and Fukunishi's faces as the exchanged a few words, we saw them smiling. It was at this point that I knew: hey, this team is having fun. They aren't disheartened by Brazil's more than obvious superiority in almost all individual aspects of the game -- they are going to keep going for the win til the end and enjoy every last second left on the clock.
The atmosphere of the stadium this day was wonderful. A full crowd, mostly wearing the Brazil colors; but most of all, the crowd was there to be entertained by some football. And the crowd was a very active one, responding to the plays and giving appreciation where it was due. There were a number of high-spirited full-stadium waves throughout the game, one Brazil spectator ran onto the pitch and caused a little diversion, and the crowd hissed and cheered and basically showed they were enjoying the game. I heard that the German football magazine Kicker gave the content of this game a score of 1.5 (1 being best, 6 being worst), the best rating they've given of any of the group round games.
As I sit here, I am a little stuck. I don't know where I should begin.
Perhaps I'll touch on Brazil first -- these guys, they are so purely world class. I know, biggest understatement of the year. The simplicity and elegance of their passing is based on perfect ball control, composure, ability to read the game and play accordingly, use of both slow and fast, and great positioning. They know how to use time to their advantage, manipulate the opponent, and make clean interceptions/challenges. Because Brazil needed only a draw against Japan to go through to the next round, I was curious to see how they would use these tricks to control Japan. In practically every category, they out-classed Japan. In the game overall, they kept things low-risk and careful. They made sure to take advantage of possession, and in the end of the first half they even resorted to using up the clock by passing back and forth on the back line -- inspiring some energetic hissing from the crowds. They took 19 shots, 9 of which were on-goal, 2 goals total. (cont'd)
Happy 27th Birthday to Shunsuke Nakamura!!
The Joy of Football
I don't know if those of you who watched this game noticed this: in the second half, while Japan was still trailing 1-2, there was a play where the ball went from Kaji on the right to Nakamura on the top right side of the box who then nudged it horizontally towards the center for Fukunishi who had run up for the direct shot. The shot went high and a little out, but when the cameras closed up on Nakamura and Fukunishi's faces as the exchanged a few words, we saw them smiling. It was at this point that I knew: hey, this team is having fun. They aren't disheartened by Brazil's more than obvious superiority in almost all individual aspects of the game -- they are going to keep going for the win til the end and enjoy every last second left on the clock.
The atmosphere of the stadium this day was wonderful. A full crowd, mostly wearing the Brazil colors; but most of all, the crowd was there to be entertained by some football. And the crowd was a very active one, responding to the plays and giving appreciation where it was due. There were a number of high-spirited full-stadium waves throughout the game, one Brazil spectator ran onto the pitch and caused a little diversion, and the crowd hissed and cheered and basically showed they were enjoying the game. I heard that the German football magazine Kicker gave the content of this game a score of 1.5 (1 being best, 6 being worst), the best rating they've given of any of the group round games.
As I sit here, I am a little stuck. I don't know where I should begin.
Perhaps I'll touch on Brazil first -- these guys, they are so purely world class. I know, biggest understatement of the year. The simplicity and elegance of their passing is based on perfect ball control, composure, ability to read the game and play accordingly, use of both slow and fast, and great positioning. They know how to use time to their advantage, manipulate the opponent, and make clean interceptions/challenges. Because Brazil needed only a draw against Japan to go through to the next round, I was curious to see how they would use these tricks to control Japan. In practically every category, they out-classed Japan. In the game overall, they kept things low-risk and careful. They made sure to take advantage of possession, and in the end of the first half they even resorted to using up the clock by passing back and forth on the back line -- inspiring some energetic hissing from the crowds. They took 19 shots, 9 of which were on-goal, 2 goals total. (cont'd)
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