I just watched the press conference. Hasebe also comes across as a very classy and polite guy. Always impressed with him. Admittedly being Scottish I don't see much of him but whenever I do I'm impressed
Game day. I hope the lads try to win possession high up the field and play with some composure when we have the ball. I've seen enough of underdogs sitting back and lumping balls forward in this tournament. Mexico did it best, we need to try and emulate them. I want to see Shibasaki alongside Hasebe and Muto on the right wing. I feel like we need Makino's aggression at the back. He will be up for this game. Japan can win 3-2.
I don't know what matches you were watching but if you think Muto "totally failed" in the friendlies then I have to ask what you expect. He combined much better with the likes of Inui/Kagawa than any of the other FWs did. So what he missed a couple of shots? Osako have missed 75 shots in a row.
Okay guys here we go, the omens aren't good, no win for Japan against South American competitions in a world cup match, yet. As well as the trouncing from Colombia in the last world cup. But with Kagawa in the team Japan play completely differently, his link up with Inui will be key, and I would rather have Muto up front, he's someone I think can have a big future, Osako I'm not so sure. If Rodriguez misses out that will be huge for Japan. I just think if they can keep the defence tight then they've always got a chance. But we just don't know what japan is going to turn up. Remember last world cup, we thought we were going to go in and play that amazing possession game and passing style that was beautiful to watch, showing the world what Japan can do, but instead we were all left extremely disappointed wondering what happened. Hopefully low expectations will give the team a boost.
Lineups been announced: Kawashima, Nagatomo, Shoji, Yoshida, Sakai H, Hasebe, Shibasaki, Kagawa, Inui, Haraguchi, Osako
Like I said would rather have Muto instead of Osako, but overall looks pretty good. Honda no doubt pissed that he's not playing, but will be a good sub to bring on if Japan need something out of the game. Nagatomo in will be solid, though to me G sakai has been fantastic recently. Japan need to keep things tight early on I feel, I think Colombia are going to come out all guns blazing similar to the last world cup and try and outmuscle Japan.
As an antlers fan I shuld be fapping on this line up it is like: Antlers Cerezo - Cerezo - Urawa Antlers - Urawa FC Tokyo - Antlers - Nagoya - Vegalta Omiya
Seems the best possible lineup. I have only Osako in doubt. The rest I would've made the same choices (with these crap callups).
I really miss the Japanese WC support of 98 and 06, when Japan was the most supported team of the WC. I understand everyone was intimidated out of going to South Africa and Brazil, but what now?
Expectations are lower than 2006, and 1998 was the debut. There will probably be many more Colombians in the stands.
media quoting ten thousand supporters are in russia. not sure what numbers were like are previous world cups.