Animated logo: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-NRIkBNegg"]YouTube - AFC ASIAN FOOTBALL CUP Qatar 2011 official Logo Animation[/ame]
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Am I the only one that thinks Zach has to go with Kurihara and Konno in the Cup?
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Yeah They did well the last two games but there are others.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] I think he will definitely use Tulio. And BTW, Tulio and Nakazawa are quite famous in Italy, as Italians appreciate good, tough defenders. If Bomber is back in good form, he definitely has a chance.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] I'm hoping if Yoshida can get a few games under the belt at vvv he can do enough to get a spot as a squad member at least. I think kurihara has cemented his spot in the AC squad. Tulio without a doubt is Zacks no.1 CB. Nakazawa I think has to have a chat with Zack over his plans. Kurihara after coming through these last two games has surely gained heaps of experience and against Korea I thought he did a great job. CB there's plenty of options, little concerned about who will replace Endo long term he played poor against Korea and is getting on a bit. Plus after Hosogais debut against Paraguay which wasn't too bad he was average against Guatemala and Korea and kengo is too old as well. Maybe yuki Abe has 4 years still but no players obviously next in the CM pecking order.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Tulio and Nakazawa are nr 1 and 2, just look at the WC. If they are healthy why even think of playing anyone elsE?
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Maybe cause Nakazawa and Tulio will be 36 & 33 by Brazil 2014. Meaning giving experience to guys like Makino, Yoshida, Kurihara, Iwamasa etc. Is crucial cause even Tulio is likely to decline a bit by 2014 and Nakazawa is already showing signs of decline in his game even though he was outstanding at the WC. Tulio & Nakazawa can play as long as they're good enough we just need to be prepared for when they aren't international level anymore.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Agree but 9 months out of football is hell of a long time. And also he said that he needs to overcome the fear of getting injured again, so I guess for him it would be already a success if he gets playing time at VVV by that time.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] I agree 100% with what you say, but the World Cup will be three and a half years away. Zac and Japan (...and Akito!) should go to Qatar to WIN. So, the best must play. That is why I would bet very surprised not to see Tulio, but less if Nakazawa doesn't start, also considering his injury.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Because we kept clean sheets vs Argentina and at S. Korea under Zach and the World Cup was under Okada.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Lets see what happens in the end of the season and maybe in 1-2 more friendlies.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] What about Cerezo's Taikai Uemoto? During Oita's good period a couple of seasons ago he did really well, and he's been most of the time outstanding for us this season, and is one of the main reasons why our defence have been so good I think. He is tall, strong in the air, good with the ball in his feet, pretty fast and have that "die-hard" attitude that I think could make him a possible candidate. He might be a bit too aggressive though, as he is kind of hot-headed, but if he keep his current form up why not? Im not saying he is better than Tulio, Nakazawa, Iwamasa, Makino etc, but he could be a candidate.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] I think the "die-hard" attitude is common among Japanese defenders. The difference between quite good DFs and quality ones are the position senses and the composure, how they cope with pressure. Tulio and Nakazawa are very cool head and can absorb all kind of pressure in the WC. I don't see it in, let say, Kurihara. Maybe it's not individual skills, it's the "leader" aspect Japan would miss when Tulio and Nakazawa retire.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Kurihara has not been in a position at club or international level to have to show great leadership as yuji or matsuda have always been there. As for the cool headed thing. Outside the FWC itself and maybe an Asian cup final, pressure isn't much higher than playing Argentina and Korea in Seoul and knowing your last few NT games were poor and knowing you have to come through. He really did play well against Korea in particular very composed. So heres hoping he will fit the bill when Nakazawa cant keep going anymore.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] I'm sure Yoshida will get at least a shot when their staff think he's fit.... VVV are doing sh!t this season and are in relegation zone.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] That might be true yeah, but I think Uemoto is even more die-hard than others. He is very temperamental, which puts him on the brink of being a dirty player, so thats why I think he might be a bit too much for the NT. But I think most of his other qualities are good enough.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Nope hes been injured for 8 months. He's expected to be playing in November as VVV need him and they've said so.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] Hello ALL... I'm living in Qatar currently, and it'll be nice to meet some of you in Qatar. I had just bought a VIP ticket for Japan vs Saudi. Don't hesitate to PM me if you need any help about hotel reservations in Qatar, or wish to get to meet each other next January
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-asian-cup-news/31044-japans-best-for-afc-asian-cup I guess that Zac really wants to win. He's calling up the European based players. I'm some what disappointed. I really wanted to see some new players.
Re: Japan NT at AFC Asian Football Cup 2011 [R] All I want to see is Hasebe lifting the trophy. How and with who, it is secondary...