Japan (4-3-3): Kawashima; H. Sakai, Yoshida (C), Morishige, Nagatomo; Yamaguchi, G. Sakai, Kagawa; Kubo, Okazaki, Haraguchi
Vintage Okazaki, collecting his 50th international goal with a near-post header from Kubo's 2nd assist this match, 19'
2-0 up but the play has been so sloppy, against better teams they won't get away with this. Also, Vahid Japan is dogged, but there is just no excitement in this Japan team anymore. 3 points anyway looks like, most important thing in the end
Thailand are actually not that bad, their players have good skills, more individuality than ours at times, and they can retain possession. It just doesn't come together. edit : see that slick one touch passes sequence they had, I don't remember the last time we had one like this.
Usami set to go on for Kubo before Vahid tells him to wait until after the corner kick, which is slammed home by Yoshida for the 4-0.
Nagatomo slips and misses a clearance completely before executing an NFL chop block on a Thai attacker. Kawashima reads the penalty taker like a book and saves.
Not a convincing performance by Japan, Thailand created a lot of chances. Japan sloppy at times, won't end well with stronger teams. Alternatives for Yamaguchi-Sakai needs to be tried.
What's your obsession against Yamaguchi? Few alternatives were tried... none have impressed as much as Yamaguchi for Vahid so far.
Yamaguchi is fine, though not particularly impressive over the two matches. Hasebe's absence underscored the lack of clear options who can both control the tempo and put in a solid shift off the ball. Why not try Honda?
Thailand got way too many chances for me. I guess they are decent to get this far, but they shouldn't be outshooting Japan 14-12 in Saitama. It's a miracle they didn't score.
Kubo is in great form. And I've missed seeing Kawashima like this. Not letting recent years stupid club circus get to his head shows how strong he is!