(2010.06.28) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay x Japan [R]

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

if Japan played like tonight.. i quite sure Japan will beat Paraguay.. *finger cross

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

Group stage distances.

Paraguay played at Cape Town (SL), Bloemfontein (1400m), Peter Mokaba (1310m). They averaged 103.54 km per game. Their Bloemfontein distance was 99km ish, and Peter Mokaba was around 102km.

Japan in the group stages played at Bloemfontein, Durban (SL), Royal Bafokeng (1500m). Averaged 110.48 km per game.

This game is being played at altitude again. So Japan will have the legs. They've yet to be outrun by a team yet in their group games. Awesome how Japan ran the most in their final game at the highest altitude.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

This one has 0-0 and PKs written all over it.
Against a stingy defense like Paraguay's, Japan's lack of killer instinct around the box will be a big problem. With Denmark stretched, Japan had lots of good opportunities that went begging, despite Honda's awesome assist at the end, it was set pieces that really won the match.
I think the World Cup is likely to see the spectacle of korokoro.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

Lol, that would be so awesome.

Can't wait, anything can happen.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

Didn't Japan beat Paraguay 1-0 in Kirin Cup like 1996 or 1997? I remember they used a trick free kick to score the goal (might have been Soma?)...

Trying to rack my brain if that was a different opponent.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

Indeed, Soma scored in game against Paraguay in 1998 listed above.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

How is the vibe over in Japan just now? Hopefully everyone is buzzing and having a great time. Good luck from Scotland, I will be crossing my fingers and wearing one of my many Japan tops.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

Paraguay have never made the R8 either so this will also be a momentous occasion for their team. The nerves will be similar on both sides. Weather in Pretoria on Tuesday appears to be min 4 & max 15°, played in the afternoon so probably around 10°C, rain isn't likely which is again good.

Perhaps a possible meeting with Spain in the quarters?

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

I have a bad memory.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR-flMcrtu8"]YouTube- Goles de Paraguay en la Copa America 99[/ame]

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

I was optimistic about the unorganized Africans (Cameroon) and overrated Europeans (Denmark) in non-European soil. But this game is very difficult. I hate to say this but our chance is 40% at best.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

hey the socks are getting nicer

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

also, Paraguay's starting XI in terms of height is not too tall so set piece danger isn't as bad. They're average height is 180.8cm & we've got 178.3cm. No seriously tall players to dominate at set pieces. ALthough 2 of their 3 goals were set pieces, the other was some pretty sloppy defending by Slovakia. Probably part of the reason why New Zealand were able to keep them goalless they've got a tall side.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aureliano_Torres
Paraguay NT has one former J-League player.

Speaking of Paraguayan players in J-League, I was excited when Gamba signed Francisco Arce, the best Right SB in S. America at that time.
But Nishino didn't know how to play him.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

We gotta do it. To be the best asian team of the tournament. It would be so ironic and good if we go further than South Korea even though they always beat us this time around.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

I always care because from that depend the next years of posting. Just look, the anti-japanese sock remembered he liked us after all .

Anyway I don't think it will have to do with luck but more likely with this perfect gameplan. I don't see our defense being beaten by Santa Cruz, Valdez or Cardozo. We are the most fouled team of the tournament so there will always be a chance to score. This is predictable but exciting.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

Indeed I think I heard a commentator state that Honda is the most fouled player in the WC.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

I think he will keep this record, mean we got more chance for free kick.

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

got a feeling about this game, not sure good

all of a sudden the neutrals are hopping on the japan bandwagon. Infact this is the first time japan have actually been tipped to win a world cup game by neutrals this tournament. that can't be good

 

Re: (6.28.10) FIFA World Cup RO16: Paraguay vs Japan [R]

It might just turn out to be the most painful game to watch yet in this tournament considering how both teams line up. But with some good company (hopefully in Shibuya), that should more than make up for it.

Although yeah, I have a bad feeling about it now that the hype is starting to build up for the team.