Meh you would put Kakitani in a game like this and see the quick one twos and Greeks falling on their asses. Especially an energy filled, must win situation, he would take people on and would not settle for pass the ball around plan. In fact he would have been sent in for that purpose. And same with Saito. But Zac forgot he had one more sub.
Watching both of those games, under an heavy rain, I found myself wishing Kensuke Nagai were there, ready to eat his opponent on any random slip up as he did 2 years ago. The set up was perfect for him and I think he's the ultimate National Team player, he will score the few goals that matter but won't have a 25 goals year with a club because that is simply not his game.
Doubt it's Zac. Doubt we'll ever see Nagai again until he learns to trap a ball he may have done his job against Egypt U21 but the world cup is another thing
he may have done his job against Egypt U21, and also Morocco and Spain, a side full of world class players. Nagai is a really fine player, what he doesn't have in terms of technique (even though he has sone real skills), he makes it up with his unmatched speed and workload. Unmatched. and if you remember, 4 years ago, he was the only japanese player to score against Ivory Coast in that after the game mini friendly.
lol that Spain side couldn't even beat Honduras to be fair... And I agree that his speed qualities are unmatched, which is why I wish he exploded. Often it happens in the 26-27yr stage so it could still happen actually.
still think he could be at the World Cup if the coach had a little bit more flair than Zaccheroni currently have. The same guy that never calls up Okubo before making him of the most important players of the team at the last minute.
maybe not but for the time being i just hope he manages to win a game in a FIFA competition unlike his predecessor.
At least somebody was scoring after this match. http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20140622-00000017-tospoweb-ent