Um wonsang coming on and pushing the line up seems to help a lot. We're pushing forward a lot more now
22 fouls for JPN. Either they are aggressive, the ref is whistle happy. or someone wants JPN to lose.
I don't know, that's really hard to say. From the second half on (coincidentally when I tuned in), it was a tight affair. Korea and Japan both had plenty of chances. Korea's tactics were to have a big man use his aerial advantage to let our wingers push into the gaps. Japan's tactics were to keep possession of the ball and try to flood the midfield. Our boys just wanted it more at the end of the day.
Congrats to Korea. Korea took their chances, Japan did not. Good luck against those Senegalese. I hope for another good result for Asia's representatives against those overrated Africans.
2nd half was a lot better than the first but that's not saying much. The only time I see Korea being dangerous is when they are playing short, easy balls to each other and constantly moving before someone makes a run in behind the defense. They do it relatively well so I can't understand why we're so wholly dependent on the Big 9 focal attack. It works sometimes but it really doesn't get our boys on the ball to dictate the game. Possession can be beneficial for all the players to get a couple of easy touches on the ball so they shake out any nerves. Anything to help our first touch...
Here's how I saw the game tactically play out: Offensively, it's a solid game plan. Most of our strong chances came off set pieces and the ability to win the ball in dangerous positions due to our point man. It certainly wasn't the sexy Liverpool-style high press with the midfield to support the front 3. Korea's chances off the counter might have also put the match away if not for a very, very good performance from the Japanese GK. Defensively, I think Korea played solidly. We kept the lines and spacing tight between midfield and defense. Our forwards were very willing to put in solid tackles in order to keep the Japanese team from establishing a rhythm. For a side that had the bulk of possession, they lacked a real central threat. Considering that defense is a team activity, the fact that the match was 0-0 until almost 85', both teams played incredibly cohesively. The winning margin was close but that's just how it goes. Korea played to their offensive advantage, even if it wasn't sexy.
Inept game management by our side. Kudos to your side for staying fit for the 90 minutes despite 2 days extra rest for us. Your #11 really give us some hard time today. How are your take on Lee Kangin today?
I agree. Our defense was as solid as I've seen them all tournament and it was surprising to see them maintain their shape throughout the game and not get goaded into chasing passes. I also agree our game plan (point man) was effective this game but I can't see it being a sustainable strategy against other teams with more physical players and better quality defenders. If we sit on our haunches, play for set pieces, and depend on the knock downs against any of the remaining teams, I see us getting obliterated.