Very big game today......huge anticipation. Massive benefit of moving to Perth is I get a 2hr time-difference advantage from when I was in Tasmania for Japan's middle-east games (or europe)
I heard Ideguchi might replace Yamaguchi who might be injured. Not a good sign imo, Ideguchi might be too lightweight to handle the Iraqi players who can be quite physical but then they are in the middle of fasting if I am not wrong.
I meant, being dropped of the group altogether, especially after the terrible performance from the starters last wednesday. I'd rather see Kato than Endo today.
I don't like Endo either but if you assumed this was more than a take-a-look callup you'd be fooling yourself. There is no way Vahid was going to use him. The usual couple of players had to be cut due to the bench limits and it was hardly a surprise that he was one of these
I didn't assume more than what Vahid said. But once you've taken a look you can also act on it. He missed another opportunity.
Looks like we'll still qualify if we beat Australia at Saisuta, I don't fancy the final game in Riyadh with Saudi needing 3 points. Hopefully Thailand can sneak a point as I think Australia will underestimate them in their final game.
I read reports that Kubo wasn't 100% since he came back to Japan, was he unwell or was he carrying an injury? Mentally he didn't seem to there like a lot of his team mates. Half the team seemed to be out of condition. I hope to never see Kurata again. This team seems almost scared to land the killer blow in most of their matches.
Bad game, with typical corrupt AFC ref as well. Failed to call blatant foul on Osako in the area, and ignores Iraq foul on Yoshida which caused the ball to roll into the net for the 1-1. Also refused to give them a drink break in the 2nd half for god knows why.
After pulling on Osaka didn't work, the defender adds the finishing touch by tackling him in the area. Somehow this is a goal kick.