Honda's shoulders were a little bit past Jordan's last defenders. Could have gone either way. I'm perplex at Aguirre's management, rotating with only 13 players and GOAL
ok game Kagawa is not the same guy he used to be happy for Muto really great pass. Kiyotake also disappointing for me Nagatomo a besat Honda unlucky lol
good match, I enjoyed it Honda has already won the post league Inui had scored a nice goal and yes, I thought it was Shiotani too Only things I didn't like were Okazaki, who worked hard as usual but his decision making was a bit oof at times, and I would also like him to stopping searching the foul every time. He did "make" Honda's goal though. The other one is Aguirre's management of the subs\starters, both because I hope it won't bite us in the ass, and both because there was no need to wait so much to play Muto (who delivered an assist, too) and Shibasaki. Very happy to see Kagawa scoring (even though, ughhh that shot was pretty bad again).
Search for the foul? Did you see how they came crashing into the back of Okazaki's legs with no chance of getting the ball? I agree he wasn't perfect, but I'm glad Aguirre plays a striker that actually is involved in the match for more than 3 minutes and takes some shots on goal. This also frees up a spot for another midfielder (Inui set up one goal and had one wrongly disallowed), which is Japan's strong point. I hope we don't go back to playing one of the many ghosts up top if/when Aguirre is sacked.
Not sure what you're trying to say here but as Saku said I was just pointing that he didn't show good decision making today. Searching for the foul is something he does often even in Bundesliga, it doesn't have to do with Jordan. Some were real fouls, that's clear. Some weren't and the ref didn't whistle, and we lost some good chances. I wouldn't be able to find a single striker to replace him currently, so no way I'd want him out.
Okazaki was unlucky to receive a yellow card though, what a ridiculous decision. Inui's one was soft too, Irmatov pulled the trigger rather easily today.
There was the pass for the disallowed Inui goal but other than that another disappointing outing for Kagawa with many misplaced passes, and some poor touches too. Hopefully the goal helps his confidence but that shot was right at the keeper. His club form has definitely carried over into his NT form.
Do Inui and Kiyotake have some fitness problem or Aguirre just wants to split their time evenly? Kiyo came on very early in the second half, and he didn't even run on the last play when it looked like he could get to the ball first.
The sub was probably planned, but Inui's bogus yellow card accelerated it. Also keep in mind that Kiyotake hasn't played for the NT since the WC and Aguirre might be using these games to take a closer look and get him acclimated.
Right, I forgot about the yellow. Either way, I have to say that Aguirre's selections and subs are the most sane I have seen from a JNT manager in a while. The whole match-fixing situation is a real shame.
Playing the same players, making the same substitutions, in a tournament where games are played with very short rest, I wouldn't call that very sane ... But winning makes everything look better I guess.
Speaking of yellow cards, there are quite a few players that risk to miss the next match if they pick up another one, or am I wrong?