Because by design the training regime deliberately set out to push all the players to the peak of their exhaustion around this week as to bring out their top form duing the tournament. This strategy was so widely publicised for weeks, I thought we all knew this by now (?). I saw what I wanted to see given the context of the plan, seemed fine to me.
That's about all what can be said. I might add I found it a bit shocking how low Honda is on confidence, until he got a bit better in the last 10 minutes or so.
Why not.. every single goal even they score against weaker team than Cyprus, i would like to celebrate with them if i was there.
@nshires Thanks a lot. I was only able to watch the last 20 minutes of the match, so hopefully I'll have some spare time to watch it in full through the youtube videos you've provide to us.
Despite only scoring a goal, wasting many chances along process and typically dominating possession against those who park the bus, they were creating chances. They didn't look good as a team, but since they were push to the brink of exhaustion in training just days before, I'm not that worry. Despite this scrappy win, knowing the conditions, I would believe Zac and staff would go into damage control mode. I know that playing and practicing while your pushed to the limits will help them grow significantly, but there is a risk of over exhaustion and possible injuries. You also become more aware of your surrounding, only running, exerting strength when you have to. maybe that's why they didn't run too much. still, it's just my opinion. Another thing is, Japan usually play out this scenario many times, the first game in so many months are like this, but then they start improving in the next and by the succession of games, they in great condition and start playing amazing football. Still 2 more matches until the WC 2014, and I really hope there's no injuries. 3 matches and hopefully into the knockout stages and beyond. GO JAPAN! GAMBARE, NIPPON! GAMBARE SAMURAI BLUE!