An absolutely unforgivable turn of events.
All of you have seen the game, so I won't go into detail. But here are the highlights:
Kawaguchi saved us by barely a thread on numerous occasions.
The team was not playing nearly good enough.
The press was not working.
The team did not take the shots properly or failed to attempt shots at all.
The sides barely sent in any good crosses.
The team still has problems keeping the lead when they score fairly early in the game. It has occured often, they give up the lead towards the end. Sometimes they fight back at the last moment, but all in all, it feels like they are still shaky when they have the lead.
Tsuboi's early exit from the game (injury) was an unexpected disadvantage. It must feel surreal for Moniwa, who only a week or so ago was basking under the sun in Hawaii thinking his chance to be part of a WC squad had slipped through his fingers.
But most of all,
most of all,
and really I think this is the part that really makes me look back at this match with supreme irritation:
Zico's lack of logic in substitutions reared its ugly head.
In past games, the team was able to eke out wins despite the fact that Zico's player substitutions were very late or made for or with (what I believe) were inappropriate players.
I love this team, and I do believe in Zico's basic philosophy that Japan can only get better if they are given the opportunity to grow into a bigger pair of football boots.
However, the players were obviously exhausted in the last thirty minutes in the surprisingly high temperatures. And aside from the substitution made when Tsuboi was injured (I think he pulled his thigh muscle), Zico refused to budge. When he did make a move, way too late, it was to insert Ono for Yanagisawa.
No offense to Ono fans (because I love the guy), but he ain't the player to put in at a time like that. Not only is he hardly dynamic on defense, but he isn't particularly fast or strong. Inamoto should have gone it at the very least -- Ina being one of those scrappy players who times tackles and slides really well.
With only one forward left, it set the offense/defense balance off. And given the danger that Australia presented for most of the match, it was the wrong message to send.
When Zico did decide to put in a forward, it was Oguro with only 3 minutes remaining. Sure, Oguro has played the last-minute savior in a number of memorable matches, the odds that he could pull off another in this game with the team playing rather poorly -- well, that was unfair to expect of Oguro.
The team did not play well. But my irritation tonight is at Zico. He has always made it clear that his care for the players is utmost -- but there are times like tonight, when Nakamura was making mistakes (he passed to the Australian forwards near our penalty area), looked too tired to contribute to defense, and lacked quality on the few cross opportunities he got towards the end. It's true, Nakamura has the kind of one-chance magic that one would always like to keep on the pitch, but in general he should have been rested and would have not contributed to keeping the 1-0 lead towards the end.
I'm not sure I make any sense, but I have to go to sleep (early day tomorrow), so I will end here. I'd love to hear what you all thought about the game.
This puts Japan in an impossibly difficult situation going into the next two games -- Croatia are only going to be taller and even more rough on plays; and Brazil...well, is Brazil.
I'll post any follow up news between now and the Croatia game. I just hope I can pull myself out of bed tomorrow -- the depression is probably going to make me want to call in sick at work!
All of you have seen the game, so I won't go into detail. But here are the highlights:
Kawaguchi saved us by barely a thread on numerous occasions.
The team was not playing nearly good enough.
The press was not working.
The team did not take the shots properly or failed to attempt shots at all.
The sides barely sent in any good crosses.
The team still has problems keeping the lead when they score fairly early in the game. It has occured often, they give up the lead towards the end. Sometimes they fight back at the last moment, but all in all, it feels like they are still shaky when they have the lead.
Tsuboi's early exit from the game (injury) was an unexpected disadvantage. It must feel surreal for Moniwa, who only a week or so ago was basking under the sun in Hawaii thinking his chance to be part of a WC squad had slipped through his fingers.
But most of all,
most of all,
and really I think this is the part that really makes me look back at this match with supreme irritation:
Zico's lack of logic in substitutions reared its ugly head.
In past games, the team was able to eke out wins despite the fact that Zico's player substitutions were very late or made for or with (what I believe) were inappropriate players.
I love this team, and I do believe in Zico's basic philosophy that Japan can only get better if they are given the opportunity to grow into a bigger pair of football boots.
However, the players were obviously exhausted in the last thirty minutes in the surprisingly high temperatures. And aside from the substitution made when Tsuboi was injured (I think he pulled his thigh muscle), Zico refused to budge. When he did make a move, way too late, it was to insert Ono for Yanagisawa.
No offense to Ono fans (because I love the guy), but he ain't the player to put in at a time like that. Not only is he hardly dynamic on defense, but he isn't particularly fast or strong. Inamoto should have gone it at the very least -- Ina being one of those scrappy players who times tackles and slides really well.
With only one forward left, it set the offense/defense balance off. And given the danger that Australia presented for most of the match, it was the wrong message to send.
When Zico did decide to put in a forward, it was Oguro with only 3 minutes remaining. Sure, Oguro has played the last-minute savior in a number of memorable matches, the odds that he could pull off another in this game with the team playing rather poorly -- well, that was unfair to expect of Oguro.
The team did not play well. But my irritation tonight is at Zico. He has always made it clear that his care for the players is utmost -- but there are times like tonight, when Nakamura was making mistakes (he passed to the Australian forwards near our penalty area), looked too tired to contribute to defense, and lacked quality on the few cross opportunities he got towards the end. It's true, Nakamura has the kind of one-chance magic that one would always like to keep on the pitch, but in general he should have been rested and would have not contributed to keeping the 1-0 lead towards the end.
I'm not sure I make any sense, but I have to go to sleep (early day tomorrow), so I will end here. I'd love to hear what you all thought about the game.
This puts Japan in an impossibly difficult situation going into the next two games -- Croatia are only going to be taller and even more rough on plays; and Brazil...well, is Brazil.
I'll post any follow up news between now and the Croatia game. I just hope I can pull myself out of bed tomorrow -- the depression is probably going to make me want to call in sick at work!
Comment On This Entry
Frankly, that was one of the biggest choke jobs I've ever witnessed as a sports fan. It's true that Hiddink made a great decision bringing Cahill in. It's true that the weather was sweltering hot, contributing to the fatigue which MAY have caused the lack of focus to seep in to our players' minds. It's also true that we were rather lucky to see our lone goal being allowed.
With that said, Australia never looked like scoring for the longest period of the match. Their passing was off, their creativity wasn't there, and even after Cahill had come on, we were the ones who looked to be controlling the match.
Well, as we have so painfully learned, controlling the match means nothing if we can't put the ball in the back of the net. Our attack was what disappointed me the most throughout the match, even before the comeback began. We were moving the ball around well, but were never able to get a good shot or even a cross in.
Let's hope they can get themselves back together by the time they face Croatia.
With that said, Australia never looked like scoring for the longest period of the match. Their passing was off, their creativity wasn't there, and even after Cahill had come on, we were the ones who looked to be controlling the match.
Well, as we have so painfully learned, controlling the match means nothing if we can't put the ball in the back of the net. Our attack was what disappointed me the most throughout the match, even before the comeback began. We were moving the ball around well, but were never able to get a good shot or even a cross in.
Let's hope they can get themselves back together by the time they face Croatia.
Japan seemed very much like Romania, who have a slender lead the whole match, only to loose everything stupidly.
Zico, wake up. 3-5-2 doesn't work without Tanaka, Kaji or Alex in full form.
And putting Moniwa in(who allowed Aloisi to score the painful 3rd.)was another mistake. Koji Nakata would have been a better choice.
We'll see what Zico&the playes has to say about that.
One more thing. Samurai Blue definitely wasn't on the pitch today. It's a shame for this spirit. Act like samurai, not talk around useless crap and publicity.
2006/06/13(火) 03:40:16 | URL | Otto #-[ Edit]
disappointing match result, but not unexpected given the lack of tight passing by japan. i agree that zico has no idea what the hell he is doing with substitutions. either inamoto or nakata koji would have been much better choices if the decision was made to defend a 1-0 lead. i suppose the only good thing to take from the game is that we are one match closer to the end of the zico era. i too am waiting for these players to stop spending so much time on their hair and start hitting the weight pile a bit more often.
I was at a bar in Osaka and you should have seen how quiet the place was after the roos got thir goals, fucking fantastic. Nakata was right, you are a shambles. Aiming for ankles, kawabuchi is a fool, how about aiming for the goal.Apart from the dubious goal you really didnt create too much. Kawaguchi was good becasue your defence is crap. A
3-1 socceroos-date with destiny-a success.
3-1 socceroos-date with destiny-a success.
Your comments are a little bit harsh and straight to the point.
Sincerely, i don't think a trainer like Zico does bad things with J-NT.
As fore many physical aspects of the game, we get back to the same idea Troussier had: Japan NT has to get more physical strenghth. Because even if you have determination, it's nothing without power...
Japan has very little chances left for making it in the second round.
I think Zico should give now credit to the other players like Inamoto,Maki,Endo. Now we all must be thinking, why Matsui was left home..(maybe a new Nakamura-situation like in 2002 with Troussier). And i'm biting my nails thinking what if.. Hirayama played in this match.. But with "what if" we don't nowhere. So a defeat is a defeat, we must look forward to the Croatia match and hopefully play at full potential.
Sincerely, i don't think a trainer like Zico does bad things with J-NT.
As fore many physical aspects of the game, we get back to the same idea Troussier had: Japan NT has to get more physical strenghth. Because even if you have determination, it's nothing without power...
Japan has very little chances left for making it in the second round.
I think Zico should give now credit to the other players like Inamoto,Maki,Endo. Now we all must be thinking, why Matsui was left home..(maybe a new Nakamura-situation like in 2002 with Troussier). And i'm biting my nails thinking what if.. Hirayama played in this match.. But with "what if" we don't nowhere. So a defeat is a defeat, we must look forward to the Croatia match and hopefully play at full potential.
ZICO (JAP)
We did not do anything after taking the lead, but we had two clear scoring chances on the counterattack. However, if you do not put the ball in at one end, you sometimes concede a goal at the other. The way Australia turned the game on its head is hard to take.
Australia switched their formation to three up front and we could not win any second balls. I put (Shinji) Ono on in the second half thinking the trio of (Hidetoshi) Nakata, (Shunsuke) Nakamura and Ono could be effective but it did not work out.
We wasted a great opportunity. We had our chances but it was so hot today, which didn't help. It was 38 degrees but we lost concentration at a critical point and it cost us.
Yoshikatsu KAWAGUCHI (JPN)
I'm still in shock after what happened during this match. We played great, we led for so long and yet we ended up being beaten. I'm lost for words. The mood of the team is at rock bottom after this defeat. It was very hot today, but that just meant that both teams had to work hard. I have to congratulate Tim Cahill as well, as he was brilliant and turned the match on its head. Now we absolutely have to win against Croatia.
Tsuneyasu MIYAMOTO (JPN)
It's unbelievable. I'm in shock. When they equalised, the whole team got together and said that we had to make sure that we at least got a point out of the match. And then we let two goals in and came away empty-handed. I'm really disappointed.
Alessandro SANTOS (JPN)
Until they equalised, we were completely focused, and then for some reason we just collapsed. I really don’t know what happened.
Shunsuke NAKAMURA (JPN)
After (Keisuke) Tsuboi went off, I got the impression that the Australians had a lot more chances. We really missed him out on the pitch. It was a real pity that we lost. I don't know what to say.
Naohiro TAKAHARA (JPN)
I'm really disappointed. We really shouldn’t have lost. Words fail me.
I'm speechless too.. :(
We did not do anything after taking the lead, but we had two clear scoring chances on the counterattack. However, if you do not put the ball in at one end, you sometimes concede a goal at the other. The way Australia turned the game on its head is hard to take.
Australia switched their formation to three up front and we could not win any second balls. I put (Shinji) Ono on in the second half thinking the trio of (Hidetoshi) Nakata, (Shunsuke) Nakamura and Ono could be effective but it did not work out.
We wasted a great opportunity. We had our chances but it was so hot today, which didn't help. It was 38 degrees but we lost concentration at a critical point and it cost us.
Yoshikatsu KAWAGUCHI (JPN)
I'm still in shock after what happened during this match. We played great, we led for so long and yet we ended up being beaten. I'm lost for words. The mood of the team is at rock bottom after this defeat. It was very hot today, but that just meant that both teams had to work hard. I have to congratulate Tim Cahill as well, as he was brilliant and turned the match on its head. Now we absolutely have to win against Croatia.
Tsuneyasu MIYAMOTO (JPN)
It's unbelievable. I'm in shock. When they equalised, the whole team got together and said that we had to make sure that we at least got a point out of the match. And then we let two goals in and came away empty-handed. I'm really disappointed.
Alessandro SANTOS (JPN)
Until they equalised, we were completely focused, and then for some reason we just collapsed. I really don’t know what happened.
Shunsuke NAKAMURA (JPN)
After (Keisuke) Tsuboi went off, I got the impression that the Australians had a lot more chances. We really missed him out on the pitch. It was a real pity that we lost. I don't know what to say.
Naohiro TAKAHARA (JPN)
I'm really disappointed. We really shouldn’t have lost. Words fail me.
I'm speechless too.. :(
No comments (lol)
Too depressed.....though, it was irritating to see Zico making late substitutions
Too depressed.....though, it was irritating to see Zico making late substitutions
2006/06/13(火) 09:02:49 | URL | Nak #-[ Edit]
...considering the circumstances, leading 1-0, they defenitely had (multiple) occasions where they could have scored if they had been a bit more cool-headed. Instead Kawaguchi got a bit overconfident after his fantastic saves earlier and made a crucial mistake with the 1st Australian goal. And after that goal i think about everything that could go wrong went wrong. But again, the last 10mins wouldn't have mattered if Japan had a selfish, ego-centric bastard as a forward who would shoot at the goal from any spot in the penalty box!
2006/06/13(火) 17:39:48 | URL | Katsukun #-[ Edit]
It's tempting to consider it a match between the two coaches, one who did almost nothing and the other who probably started with the wrong system but made constant tactical changes throughout the match in order to correct his error. Hiddink is a master of contingencies. He thoroughly trained the Australians for the situation (being 1-0 behind late in the game), and drilled the personnel in positional tactics such that he could make important changes without calling upon substitutes, e.g. moving Emerton, who started in central midfield, to the defence after he brought Kennedy on. If Australia lost, Hiddink would have been criticised for starting Wilkshire and putting Emerton in the middle over Cahill. But Emerton's superior fitness and multi-positional talent were emblematic reasons surrounding the team's fightback.
Zico was tactically outclassed, much more so than Japan on the pitch who managed to create numerous good chances even after Australia drew level. So easily, it could have been a different story. Had Fukunishi put his late shot on target. Or the two-on-one situation near the end been better exploited. I suppose the penalty claim involving Cahill was denied by the referee as a way to make up for his earlier 'mistake' regarding the foul on Schwarzer -- if indeed there was a foul.
Japan have taken a punch to the stomach but they can rebound from this and cause Croatia significant problems. A win against Croatia would set up a tight finish for second place in the group, with results against Brazil crucial for the three contenders. I think it's entirely possible that Brazil will lose points at some stage in the group phase....
Zico was tactically outclassed, much more so than Japan on the pitch who managed to create numerous good chances even after Australia drew level. So easily, it could have been a different story. Had Fukunishi put his late shot on target. Or the two-on-one situation near the end been better exploited. I suppose the penalty claim involving Cahill was denied by the referee as a way to make up for his earlier 'mistake' regarding the foul on Schwarzer -- if indeed there was a foul.
Japan have taken a punch to the stomach but they can rebound from this and cause Croatia significant problems. A win against Croatia would set up a tight finish for second place in the group, with results against Brazil crucial for the three contenders. I think it's entirely possible that Brazil will lose points at some stage in the group phase....
Considering the last two comments(wich i very much enjoyed reading) James and Katsukun are perfectly right. But facing Croatia will be a different story. While Japan can't do anything with their crappy defense when facing a physical powerhorse like Croatia, the best options would be containment play, short passes, and pressing, A LOT of pressing. And Zico should for sure choose a more attacking strategy.
Let's post our teams:
Here is mine for the match with Croatia(who play an attacking 4-4-2):
Kawaguchi
Tsuboi(Kaji?)-Miyamoto-Nakazawa-K.Nakata(Alex)
H.Nakata-Ono(Endo)-Fukunishi-Inamoto(Alex)
Oguro-Yanagisawa(Maki)
What is your choice? Waiting for some posts. :)
Let's post our teams:
Here is mine for the match with Croatia(who play an attacking 4-4-2):
Kawaguchi
Tsuboi(Kaji?)-Miyamoto-Nakazawa-K.Nakata(Alex)
H.Nakata-Ono(Endo)-Fukunishi-Inamoto(Alex)
Oguro-Yanagisawa(Maki)
What is your choice? Waiting for some posts. :)
Here is mine:
Kawaguchi
Kaji-Miyamoto-Nakazawa-Alex
Fukunishi(Inamoto)-Nakata-Ono(Ogasawara)-Nakamura
Yanagisawa(Oguro)-Takahara
Japan need to move the ball quickly, maybe in a better pitch we can enjoy the great football of japanese team, and we need the 3 points. Gambare Nihon!!!
Kawaguchi
Kaji-Miyamoto-Nakazawa-Alex
Fukunishi(Inamoto)-Nakata-Ono(Ogasawara)-Nakamura
Yanagisawa(Oguro)-Takahara
Japan need to move the ball quickly, maybe in a better pitch we can enjoy the great football of japanese team, and we need the 3 points. Gambare Nihon!!!
Brazil vs Croatia ended 1-0 with a nice goal by Kaka' (min.44)
Notable was Croatia's possesion and good chances of scoring. If Croatia had some luck they could have easily turned the side of the match. They didn't seem scared any minute of the game.
Another fact is Brazil's shaky central defense, where Lucio and especially Juan couldn't stop the croatians effectively. The only one who stood up was Cafu, who won almost every duel with his opponents.
Ronaldinho didn't show any magic today, best and dangerous man was clearly Kaka'.
So, Japan-Croatia will be a very interesting match to see. Zico has A LOT to think now.
Notable was Croatia's possesion and good chances of scoring. If Croatia had some luck they could have easily turned the side of the match. They didn't seem scared any minute of the game.
Another fact is Brazil's shaky central defense, where Lucio and especially Juan couldn't stop the croatians effectively. The only one who stood up was Cafu, who won almost every duel with his opponents.
Ronaldinho didn't show any magic today, best and dangerous man was clearly Kaka'.
So, Japan-Croatia will be a very interesting match to see. Zico has A LOT to think now.
I don't see why Zico is continuously using Yanagisawa where his not even that good, there were several occasions where he should of scored and missed and also where he should of just went by himself he tried to pass it and lost it by the Australian defenders..this applied to Takahara aswell.
They should have used a more "determined" player like Tamada in that game rather than Yanagisawa who keeps on falling down and can't shoot.
It is exciting to see what Zico does when Japan plays Croatia, hopefully Kaji will be back^^ (KOMANO IS NO GOOD...cannot cross for cr*p)
They should have used a more "determined" player like Tamada in that game rather than Yanagisawa who keeps on falling down and can't shoot.
It is exciting to see what Zico does when Japan plays Croatia, hopefully Kaji will be back^^ (KOMANO IS NO GOOD...cannot cross for cr*p)
2006/06/14(水) 14:55:16 | URL | Nak #-[ Edit]
I felt sorry for poor little Komano. He tried his heart out and I thought he was the only one providing anything forward towards the end of the second half. Considering how the rest of the team went, I could forgive his crossing for his first time in fire like that.
I feel lonely right now, everyone in Australia is bagging me. I wouldn't have minded a loss, but not like that. It hurts!
Thanks Otto, I'll come back with my contribution later with the line-up. Does anyone think a shake-up is necessary? I thought only Nakamura looked semi-dangerous out there in attack. But as already mentioned, he was visibly dead in the 65 minute!
I feel lonely right now, everyone in Australia is bagging me. I wouldn't have minded a loss, but not like that. It hurts!
Thanks Otto, I'll come back with my contribution later with the line-up. Does anyone think a shake-up is necessary? I thought only Nakamura looked semi-dangerous out there in attack. But as already mentioned, he was visibly dead in the 65 minute!
2006/06/14(水) 16:01:04 | URL | Nori #-[ Edit]
Throughout all of these comments I haven`t heard (as usual) ONE criticism of Nakata!!! Now,I know he is a hero in the eyes of most if not all Japanese fans but,was evrybody watching the same game i was watching?? The man had a stinker!! He was the worst player on the field.Inept in all departments.The amount of times he was caught in possesion and failed to fight back and get the ball back was a disgrace.Seemingly its ok for him to shout his mouth off about the limitations of the other players but the man should take a look in the mirror himself. He is in there on reputation alone because on the basis of his recent performances he couldn@t get in a J2 line up. Of course Zico would never sub the GoldenBoy.He wouldn`t dare. But by Christ if he`s in the starting line up against Croatia (which he will be) it will just go to show how weak Zico and the whole Japanese set up is. I know he is "potentially" Japans best player but man if he can`t even be bothered to tackle back in a WORLD CUP do or die game,then he doesn`t even deserve to cut up the half time oranges of people who would sweat blood to be on the pitch. Its gonna be tough viewing I feel in the next two games as if we have to put up with the same lilly livered performance then I feel there will be some broken TVs by the end of the group stages!! I can`t see any light at the end of the tunnel as if Yanagisawa is one of Japans best two strikers then we are in big trouble!! The man couldn`t hit a cows arse with a banjo from two yards. Pre tournament,the strikers were always going to be a worry as none of them can actually score.Yanagisawa can`t score in Italy,Takahara can`t score in Germany,Tamada can`t score in Japan (oh dear!!!) How the hell are they gonna score in the World Cup if they can`t even do it at domestic level.Overall,a sorry display by a team who literally just after all the debate and whys and wherefors are simply not good enough. The heat is not a factor to blame at all as its the same for both teams and Japanese summers are not exactly cold are they.So the players should be used to it!! Unfortunately Japan are crap and going home early.....and it really does pain me to have to say such a thing. A good World Cup, I was hoping would have a positive impact domestically getting more people interested in J-League and J-League players instead of focusing on European leagues and maybe bumping up the attendances a little.I hoped if the general non footy fans saw the Japanese boys playing their hearts out and competing with the big boys it could provide a groundswell of people wanting to see live football.It doesn`t look like this is going to happen which is sad. C`mon Japan!!!! At least give a fight worthy of the nick name "Blue Samurai" I haven`t seen anything anywhere near it yet.
No you're right there Nick. Nakata was obvioiusly there for show and was parading himself around as God's gift to Japanese football.
Question is though, can Japan play without him in big time international matches? Who can take his place? You wouldn't say Ono or Endo has the same physical presence in defence.
Question is though, can Japan play without him in big time international matches? Who can take his place? You wouldn't say Ono or Endo has the same physical presence in defence.
2006/06/15(木) 12:53:08 | URL | Nori #-[ Edit]
It would be tragic for Japan to exit this WC so early. Everyone put their hearts and passion into this, while the media praises the "blue samurai". Too much praise can cause too much self confidence.
I can see the J-team resembling to Real Madrid who can beat anyone if they want. But it's NOT like this. They have to come back to earth and see their incapabilites and try to solve them out before it's too late. The great minus as i have many times said, is the physical strenght of the japanese who is low compared to european squads. The great bonus we have is agility and speed. Maybe after the WC ends Japan will have another coach. Hope it's Hiddink!
I can see the J-team resembling to Real Madrid who can beat anyone if they want. But it's NOT like this. They have to come back to earth and see their incapabilites and try to solve them out before it's too late. The great minus as i have many times said, is the physical strenght of the japanese who is low compared to european squads. The great bonus we have is agility and speed. Maybe after the WC ends Japan will have another coach. Hope it's Hiddink!
I don't think everyone put their heart and passion in this, there have been certain players.. It was an ugly sight to see them on the pitch that's for sure.
2006/06/15(木) 23:50:26 | URL | Arne #-[ Edit]
i ment the supporters! they put all their passion in :)
lets just face it. like it or not, japan is a second rate team. they have neither the fire nor the phsyical presence to compete effectively with faster, tighter bigger european and south american teams. nakata is a waste. the situation up front is a joke. as much as i hate to say it, i cant think of a single player on this roster who would fight to the death like kazuyuki toda would have... so, he may not be the greatest footballer, but damn -does he have some serious yamato damashi. japan better enjoy themselves now as come the next world cup qualifiers, dont forget australia will be joining the mix in the AFC.
oh, and you can bet daisuke matsui is laughing his arse off at home in front of the tv
oh, and you can bet daisuke matsui is laughing his arse off at home in front of the tv
2006/06/16(金) 10:58:15 | URL | joji #-[ Edit]
joji..that was a funny comment. i don't know...should i laugh or cry? :))
matsui,hirayama,sato and abe should have been at the WC..
and as i said..maybe we should naturalize a brazilian striker like washington from urawa!
or set up a training camp for strikers in brazil!
matsui,hirayama,sato and abe should have been at the WC..
and as i said..maybe we should naturalize a brazilian striker like washington from urawa!
or set up a training camp for strikers in brazil!
Zico's choice of not choosing Matsui was a complete stupidity. But i don't think Hirayama, Sato or Abe would of made a big difference.
In regards to Washington, his not even good..he can't run or havn't got ball skills, his only scoring alot becoz of his height.
Japan seriously needs to put an effort to grow forwards who actually can shoot.
Our current forwards needs to read a book on how to shoot.
In regards to Washington, his not even good..he can't run or havn't got ball skills, his only scoring alot becoz of his height.
Japan seriously needs to put an effort to grow forwards who actually can shoot.
Our current forwards needs to read a book on how to shoot.
2006/06/17(土) 10:34:32 | URL | Nak #-[ Edit]
i wanted inamoto to play, because he has knowledge of viduka and harry kewell, maybe of tim cahill AND HE DID SCORE AGANIST SCHWARZER IN THE PREMIERLEAGUE IN 2003 AND THAT hE HAD been playing in the premierleague for 4 years (omit arsenal days),
and another thing, he actually tackles the ball, in the aus vs japan match i never saw anyone, but alex take the ball or try to tackle the opposition
troussier was right about how matsui should of been
selected. you know talking about coaches, why doesn't troussier become japan coach again! in all seriousness, i know that sounds whack of me but, they did better under him and he did criticise everyone of them calling them "pampered babies" and he never really showed favourtism, well yes he did, nakamura who he left out,but there in 2002 was the samurai spirit, well i reckon so
and NORI, don't worry, if everyone was bagging you, TRY A PACK OF SCHOOL GIRLS LAFFING AT ME SAYING
"AUSTRALIA WHOOPED JAPANS ASS", BIG PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE TO ME
and another thing, he actually tackles the ball, in the aus vs japan match i never saw anyone, but alex take the ball or try to tackle the opposition
troussier was right about how matsui should of been
selected. you know talking about coaches, why doesn't troussier become japan coach again! in all seriousness, i know that sounds whack of me but, they did better under him and he did criticise everyone of them calling them "pampered babies" and he never really showed favourtism, well yes he did, nakamura who he left out,but there in 2002 was the samurai spirit, well i reckon so
and NORI, don't worry, if everyone was bagging you, TRY A PACK OF SCHOOL GIRLS LAFFING AT ME SAYING
"AUSTRALIA WHOOPED JAPANS ASS", BIG PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE TO ME
2006/06/17(土) 11:30:29 | URL | ami #-[ Edit]
considering that Zico has made Japan a higly tacticized team only having schemes and strategies in their minds, what the japanese players seems to lack is the "passion & love" for playing this beautiful game.
maybe they should have more freedom of playing.. of course they work hard but that isn't enough when you don't understand what football really is.
waiting to see what they will do tomorrow.. last day of hopes.
maybe they should have more freedom of playing.. of course they work hard but that isn't enough when you don't understand what football really is.
waiting to see what they will do tomorrow.. last day of hopes.
Well a 0-0 draw with Croatia is a creditable result but I don`t think it tells the true story of the match.Japan started brightly I thought matching the bigger,stronger,more skillful Croatians. For the forst 20 minutes or so Japan played well but as time wore on the match turned more and more in Croatia`s favour. Chance after chance went begging for Croatia as they were guilty of missing a hatful by a combination of stellar goalkeeping by Kawaguchi and woefull finishing. Great seve from the penalty from Kawaguchi, Man Of The Match pefrormance from him I think most would agree. However the same old problems seemed to surface again and again, Croatia at times were able to slice through Japan "defence" at will moving from their own box to Japans box in seconds with alarming regularity. In contrast to this Japans laboured build up play was excriciatingly slow for the whole 90 minutes. How Croatia weren`t 3 or 4 goals to the good by half time was amazing!! The second half continued much like the first with Japan on the back foot for long periods. Chance after chance was going astray for Croatia until Yanagisawa missed the chance of the game,great ball in from the right,4 or five yards out with the goal at his mercy and the keeper nowhere he succeeded is getting his legs tangled up and scuffing the ball back from where it came......the man is a D-O-N-K-E-Y!! I hate to say it but so far I think Japans forwards have been the worst in the whole tournament. Can anyone remember a worthwhile attempt on goal by either Yanagisawa or Takahara over the course of the last two games?? Any chances that Japan have created have come from the midfield or the flanks.Japan need a miracle against Brazil and they arent gonna get it playing with 9 players,one donkey and a girl! I say stick Kawaguchi up front partnered by Asashoryu,Konishiki in goal and see what happens!! Its got to be better than whats up there at the moment and would definately guarantee some fear in the opposition!! C`mon Japan!! Lets get a decent performance in the last game!!
i agree, kawaguchi is a great goalkeeper! i must say he is good, even though he let in 3 goals in the opener, i'm not happy of the result, but i'm happy that inamoto had a chance to play, and he was willing to DIVE
2006/06/19(月) 11:04:16 | URL | ami #-[ Edit]
Once again, our boys have proven to be allergic to scoring goals. To put it quite honestly, our strikers are absolute garbage. The two forwards who started today both make Emile Heskey look like Thierry Henry.
Yanagisawa provided us with what surely has to be THE biggest miss of the tournament so far. At this point, labeling him as a donkey would be unfair... to the donkey, of course.
Takahara's contributions to the match were limited to the following: putting on a shirt and getting on the pitch. He did absolutely nothing.
Oguro and Tamada, as substitutes, never made an impact... if you don't count Oguro missing another great chance as making an impact. Not sure if we'll see any of Maki in the last match.
I'm really hoping that one of the names I mentioned can prove me wrong, but even that might be a pipe dream. Nonetheless, I'll be looking forward to the matchup against the mighty Samba boys.
Yanagisawa provided us with what surely has to be THE biggest miss of the tournament so far. At this point, labeling him as a donkey would be unfair... to the donkey, of course.
Takahara's contributions to the match were limited to the following: putting on a shirt and getting on the pitch. He did absolutely nothing.
Oguro and Tamada, as substitutes, never made an impact... if you don't count Oguro missing another great chance as making an impact. Not sure if we'll see any of Maki in the last match.
I'm really hoping that one of the names I mentioned can prove me wrong, but even that might be a pipe dream. Nonetheless, I'll be looking forward to the matchup against the mighty Samba boys.
what can i say..the incredibly hot weather has knocked down japan's endurance and stamina..
oguro should be a start alongside maki in the next brazil-encounter. after all it will be played late in the evening, so hot temps won't be a problem then..
hope zico will be illuminated to change the formation and some players who didn't show anything last match. at least we can beat brazil for our honor.
japan has only theoretical chances of qualifying. only if they score 2 goals against brazil and win, and croatia make a goalless draw with the socceroos.. :(
oguro should be a start alongside maki in the next brazil-encounter. after all it will be played late in the evening, so hot temps won't be a problem then..
hope zico will be illuminated to change the formation and some players who didn't show anything last match. at least we can beat brazil for our honor.
japan has only theoretical chances of qualifying. only if they score 2 goals against brazil and win, and croatia make a goalless draw with the socceroos.. :(
being born dutch and maybe the only real japanese football fan in my country makes me isolated.
i follow oure team(oure:i am married to a japanese and lived and worked in japan)but in oure home tournament we had a french coach and now a brasilian.
when do we open oure eyes and now that foreigners do not understand what the japanese play is.
it is not the defencive play from french,or the cheaky play of brasil.
we are japan NIPPON we are challengers, we organise plan and hit leaving oure oponents struck by agressive forward play.
with quick short passing and pressing at once when we loose the ball i think in a 343 or 433 system we can beat anybody.
but as long as we follow people who come from old football nations they will allway's make us play like they do, but we do not have their quality of players.
ours have other quality's look at what hiddink did with korea.
fierce attacking play and not walking back.
that is the play for us asians, enjoy the people and play without fear to loose.
i gave us a real change to become worldchampion, maybe i am the only one.
i will get my training degree's here in holland and then go to japan to hopefully work for vent foret which is my favorite team.
and make a real contributions to our football.
so that in the future we will not feel sad of bad play and no results.
away with these loosing stars from abroad the future must be ours.
nippon play the stars of the skies against the brasillians and show the world what we can do.
i follow oure team(oure:i am married to a japanese and lived and worked in japan)but in oure home tournament we had a french coach and now a brasilian.
when do we open oure eyes and now that foreigners do not understand what the japanese play is.
it is not the defencive play from french,or the cheaky play of brasil.
we are japan NIPPON we are challengers, we organise plan and hit leaving oure oponents struck by agressive forward play.
with quick short passing and pressing at once when we loose the ball i think in a 343 or 433 system we can beat anybody.
but as long as we follow people who come from old football nations they will allway's make us play like they do, but we do not have their quality of players.
ours have other quality's look at what hiddink did with korea.
fierce attacking play and not walking back.
that is the play for us asians, enjoy the people and play without fear to loose.
i gave us a real change to become worldchampion, maybe i am the only one.
i will get my training degree's here in holland and then go to japan to hopefully work for vent foret which is my favorite team.
and make a real contributions to our football.
so that in the future we will not feel sad of bad play and no results.
away with these loosing stars from abroad the future must be ours.
nippon play the stars of the skies against the brasillians and show the world what we can do.
2006/06/20(火) 05:34:22 | URL | dennis smit #-[ Edit]
What is the deal about the weather!!?? Japanese summers are regularly between 35 and 39 degrees with up to 90 per cent humidity!! A 30 degree afternoon with very low humidity is no excuse for losing!! Will people please stop blaming the weather!! Both teams had to play in the same conditions so its not a valid excuse.
I agree with you 100% there Nick. The weather surely couldn't be the reason why Miyamoto gave away the penalty. The heat surely couldn't be the reason why Yanagisawa missed a tap-in from only a few yards away. We just didn't take care of our chances.
maybe it's the german beer! :)
duh..just kidding.
it's a shame to play on 38 celsius as zico said in an interview. u can get a stroke if ur unlucky!
besize there are 40 celsius summers in japan, but everybody is at the kakigoori shops :D
nobody is crazy to play soccer on 40 celsius.
anyway i'm very dissappointed at japan's "samurai spirit". they never looked any moment like that.
duh..just kidding.
it's a shame to play on 38 celsius as zico said in an interview. u can get a stroke if ur unlucky!
besize there are 40 celsius summers in japan, but everybody is at the kakigoori shops :D
nobody is crazy to play soccer on 40 celsius.
anyway i'm very dissappointed at japan's "samurai spirit". they never looked any moment like that.
sultry conditions are hard to play in i agree, but as someone said it was low in humidity meaning the temperature was a dry one, dehydration for both teams
2006/06/20(火) 16:04:05 | URL | ami #-[ Edit]
oh dear!! more weather converstation.....maybe both teams should have played in the their swimming trunks with a plentiful supply of ice cream cones,deck chairs and flip flops!! Its Germany for heavens sake not the Sahara Desert!! Im pretty sure there arent any camels roaming wild in the forests of Bavaria!!No one speaks of the Bedoin tent people of Saxony!! As the earlier comment said,Japan lost because Yanagisawa is a donkey and missed a chance the average elementary school kid could knock in... unless the extreme temperatures melted half of his leg off causing him to try to kick it with his one remeining good leg,only to see it go back to where it came from!! New conspiracy theory.... Yanagisawa isn`t crap,he`s actually made of a weak sub standard plastic and melted in the "extreme heat" of Germany. Its a possibility! Anybody else got any conspiracy theories as to why he missed?? (Apart from the obvious...eeee-aaaaaww!!)
Just noticed,I meant to say drew not lost in the last post...
now they must prove themselves. japan can't qualify this time..but at least they can beat brazil for regaining their honor..
brazil will play with second line-up players.. but certainly it will be a hard nut to crack..
good luck..
and GANBARE NIPPON!!
brazil will play with second line-up players.. but certainly it will be a hard nut to crack..
good luck..
and GANBARE NIPPON!!
Unfortunately I won't have a chance to watch this live. But I'm still - <i>still</i> - banking on a miracle.
At the very least I hope for an excellent match.
Go Nippon!
At the very least I hope for an excellent match.
Go Nippon!
2006/06/22(木) 21:05:45 | URL | Nori #-[ Edit]
to quote Jim Carrey from "Dumb and Dumber" -- so you're telling me there's a chance? ..........................yeah!
game time in two hours.
GAMBARE!
game time in two hours.
GAMBARE!
So much for my enthusiasm... you talk about a match that couldn't end soon enough. I think this was a big wake-up call to the JFA that we still have ways to go when it comes to establishing ourselves on the world stage.
Surely, the first strike by Tamada was excellent, but it served to motivate Brazil more than it did for us. I know Japan as a football nation want to emulate their style, but right now, we might as well be imitating them. Like I said, this is a wake-up call.
Surely, the first strike by Tamada was excellent, but it served to motivate Brazil more than it did for us. I know Japan as a football nation want to emulate their style, but right now, we might as well be imitating them. Like I said, this is a wake-up call.
well they lost with dignity
inamoto was positive about it
inamoto was positive about it
2006/06/23(金) 11:51:55 | URL | ami #-[ Edit]
even if Japan lost 4-1 to Brazil i can say they did a better job compared to the other two games.
Like the players said.. the min 45+ goal conceded cut their legs off.
Now i start to think that Guus Hiddink is a real magician as i watched the game Australia-Croatia 2-2. Even Australia has been a victim of the referee, they still played very well to come back two times, end in a draw and book a place to the second round where Guus will have another chance to eliminate Italy again like he did with South Korea back in 2002.
I really feel sorry for Zico and I don't think he's responsible for all that's happened... But like a romanian newspaper said: "Japan should concentrate more on making football a massive sport, the no.1 sport. If the japanese nation will take football seriously then they will for sure be a super power in soccer. The only thing they need now is an infusion with the infectable virus of soccer."
Like the players said.. the min 45+ goal conceded cut their legs off.
Now i start to think that Guus Hiddink is a real magician as i watched the game Australia-Croatia 2-2. Even Australia has been a victim of the referee, they still played very well to come back two times, end in a draw and book a place to the second round where Guus will have another chance to eliminate Italy again like he did with South Korea back in 2002.
I really feel sorry for Zico and I don't think he's responsible for all that's happened... But like a romanian newspaper said: "Japan should concentrate more on making football a massive sport, the no.1 sport. If the japanese nation will take football seriously then they will for sure be a super power in soccer. The only thing they need now is an infusion with the infectable virus of soccer."
autralia has been playing the aussies played the best in the whole group...wish japan could of too, but they had their chances last time, and the turkey goal in the second round just blew it back then...japan better do well in four years time, if they do ever get in the tournament next time...
i agree that they played better against brazil even if they lost. Seemed both a mixture of defence and attack.
looking back at japan games in the group, i must say the lineup for japan against the socceroos was a crap lineup, croatia was okay when Inamoto came on, and brazils one was one of their best, but i think they needed Miyamoto there, the defence made a few mistakes and inamoto too, some of ina's crosses were fine though, the one to alex and then to tamada and then GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!
as for Hiddink, he is a respectable man,
as for zico he was doing his job like any other coach,
he may have lost games with japan but really he did put all his efforts for japan and he put all his "heart and soul" for the team, so in way i do appreciate zico for that, but i wouldn't rate him as an alright coace, he was a good player but his not a good coach
i agree that they played better against brazil even if they lost. Seemed both a mixture of defence and attack.
looking back at japan games in the group, i must say the lineup for japan against the socceroos was a crap lineup, croatia was okay when Inamoto came on, and brazils one was one of their best, but i think they needed Miyamoto there, the defence made a few mistakes and inamoto too, some of ina's crosses were fine though, the one to alex and then to tamada and then GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!
as for Hiddink, he is a respectable man,
as for zico he was doing his job like any other coach,
he may have lost games with japan but really he did put all his efforts for japan and he put all his "heart and soul" for the team, so in way i do appreciate zico for that, but i wouldn't rate him as an alright coace, he was a good player but his not a good coach
2006/06/23(金) 18:30:48 | URL | ami #-[ Edit]
typo erros in my comment sorry
2006/06/23(金) 18:34:20 | URL | ami #-[ Edit]
yes. you're completely right about zico, but at least he did kind of woke up the brazilian style of playing soccer in japan. wish that more and more brazilians come to play in japan to make soccer popular and loved. because that is what the japanese miss the most: passion for soccer.
when brazil lost to uruguay on maraccana stadium in front of over 100.000 people and lost the wc trophey, lots of brazilians went home and commited suicide.(around 500)
not that this would be an example, but with passion and work(japanese have plenty of work) anyone can achieve many things.
i hope zico will still stay in japan(not at the national team) and saburo kawabuchi will leave the jfa. all this things with the coaches happened because of him.
when brazil lost to uruguay on maraccana stadium in front of over 100.000 people and lost the wc trophey, lots of brazilians went home and commited suicide.(around 500)
not that this would be an example, but with passion and work(japanese have plenty of work) anyone can achieve many things.
i hope zico will still stay in japan(not at the national team) and saburo kawabuchi will leave the jfa. all this things with the coaches happened because of him.
I honestly think one of the problems in Japanese football is the over reliance on foriegners to do the job that cost Japan a decent run in the World Cup,ie score goals!! Virtually every J1 team has foriegn strikers (mainly Brazilian) and while these guys do a great job in entertaining the crowds with their exciting play,where are the up and coming Japanese strikers supposed to cut their teeth?? In the satelitte leagues or J2?? How is japan ever going to produce even one decent striker if they don`t get a chance in their own domestic league?? Why are the vast majority of foriegn players strikers?? Its almost as if Japan accepts that they will never be able to score goals so theyll leave the responsibility to someone else. Everybody should be shouting at the top of their lungs about this situation especially after the pathetic display just seen in Germany. Maybe its time for a new European style foriegner rule?? I know the rule is currently 3 foriegners on the field at once but how about an extension to include three foriegners but NO STRIKERS!! Completely impractical I know but something has to be done. At the moment there is a SEVERE lack of talent up front lets hope the next generation have a bit (not a bit a shed load more!!!)more to offer... Hiroyama,Cullen,Morimoto,Havenaar we will be waiting!!!
Harry March always quits the hills.
twice, make splinters, did their whole duty.
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