I was utterly impressed by Japan. I'd been half expecting the Japanese to be overrun by the sheer physicality and pace of Senegal, and braced myself for the worst. Instead, they settled pretty quickly and began to impose their game with composure and precision. The Senegal players didn't seem to able to cope with the Japanese's passing. Who would have thought to see these kinds of performances after the tumultuous and disheartening run-up? This is the Japan I want to see! Now go and beat the Poles! They are already out but can still be dangerous, so stay focused and complete the job!
1998 - Bad WC 2002 - Good WC 2006 - Bad WC 2010 - Good WC 2014 - Bad WC 2018 - It's already good in my book.
Back in 2002 the USA only needed a draw against already eliminated Poland to reach the Round of 16 and ended up losing 3-1. They only advanced because Korea beat Portugal. I don't want to see Japan in a situation where they are losing and are relying on Senegal to beat Colombia.
Congratulations Japan. I enjoyed Japanese national team style of play. You will never stop to believe in team work. Samurai Blue truly suits your national team.
You know before the tournament there was a bit of talk here and in media about Honda being salty about not starting and being on the bench. These 2 games so far he looks like he's really enjoying his football and he's celebrated everything with the team. Both games he's come on literally as a super-sub/weapon and has a goal and assist to show for it. Sure he'd rather start, but I think there's good unity here still.
Nishino's stock through the roof right now. I remember back in the Gamba days with their mouthwatering football (albeit with Fujigaya in goal and a Yamaguchi/Sota Nakazawa lead to a lot of conceded goals) when I really wished he was our NT coach. Then he sort of disappeared with a couple teams Kobe & Nagoya.
Whatever happens I think he will stay until the next asian cup (unless he wants to quit "high" himself)
I think that Japan should stick with local coaches due to lesser cultural barriers like language, etc. Suits Japan more imo.
6 - Since 1966, only 6 players have both scored and assisted a goal in 3 different World Cups: David Beckham, Asamoah Gyan, Grzegorz Lato, Rudi Voller, Arjen Robben and Keisuke #Honda🇯🇵. Samurai. pic.twitter.com/g5imG4a7H2— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) June 24, 2018 ⚽ Top-scoring Asian player in World Cup history⚽ First Asian player to score against teams from every continent ⚽ Only player to register a goal & assist in the last three tournamentsTake a bow, Keisuke Honda 🇯🇵 https://t.co/veNrVKRv7N pic.twitter.com/ykFqMUQ9Vw— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) June 24, 2018
Its a sad thought to think this is probably the last tournament and indeed games we ever see Keisuke Honda play for the national team.
Still... playing in Copa América being an Asian nation is idiotic. Someone should just tell Conmebol to mind their own business.