That huge Moriyasu banner behind the Australian goal can be thrown in a dumpster and set on fire after the match regardless of the outcome.
So, what I can get from this Japan is that when they want to play aggressive, they do so until they get a goal, then go to sleep mode, gets scored on, go back to play aggressive again. (sigh)
Oh lord. I'm surprised he still has the manager's confidence after the torrent of abuse he drew upon himself.
Japan's defence is really shaky. Never gave me a peace of mind and that's ironic considering this Japan's supposed defensive mind set.
Thanks the heavens! But as mentioned earlier, the loss against Oman was ultimately unnecessary. We could've been at level with Australia.
Football is stressful. Moriyasu is endangering Japan's qualification chances. Then again, an offensively oriented manager will be in trouble against the top teams next year. Just get there, Japan. I want to have my usual three teams to root for.
The next two matches are gonna be crucial, both away games. In the past, I never worried in winning them all but with this current Japan... . Let's just hope for the best.
3 points, that was what they needed. Still so many invidual faults, from both teams to be honest, sometimes looking like a division 5 game. Im sorry i was negative to Nagatomo before the game, probably Japans best player this game. Man he still got some great energy, amazing stamina. Osako should have scored 2 goals, but once again. He cant. Amazing how he can get a bad shot like that on his great chance.
Nagatomo in 2nd half was a real liability defensively, and the reason why we conceded that attack leading to Australia's free kick. Also I'm pleased to win, only disappointed that it still means Moriyasu is coach.
I don't see why not. Head coaches have been fired in the past after winning what proved to be the last match at the helm. The JFA may seal his fate behind the curtains.
Morita was not very good today overall. Hopefully Nagatomo will not start the next match, seems abit defensively shaky this game for him. Maybe Nakayama can be tried instead. Home match against Saudi Arabia should be a must win for top 2 finish in the group since away matches seems to be more uncertain. Home match against Oman should have been a 3 point for Japan but it seems that it will be difficult for Japan to win against Oman away. Hopefully Moriyasu can call up Yuma Suzuki for the next game, his tenacity upfront may be unnecessary so that Osako need not play the entire 90 minutes when unnecessary. Yep Halilhodzic was also fired after Japan qualified to the WC directly last WC.
Oh, and I believe this is a much needed win because Australia is gonna give it all against KSA, which they always do, therefore, increases Japan's chances to close on them both. Thus, Oman's match next is a must win followed by Vietnam's. To be frank, i'm more afraid of Vietnam's match since they got nothing to lose and might play their game of life against Japan.
Hopefully, China will somehow halt KSA tonight *highly doubt it* but hey, anything is possible in Football and upsets are quite common.
Moriyasu should perhaps try utilizing Itakura/Kubo more next match as well. Moriyasu's subsitutions were timely this time, Asano's pace upfront was vital against Australia defenders' tired legs. Hopefully he remains more proactive in fuyure rather than reactive as was previous fixtures. Osako's hold up play was immense but seems like may perhaps held on to ball too long at times, drawing too many defenders to him and also bit slow during some of the plays upfront and slowing down the pace at times. Perhaps Hashioka/Sugawara can be called to provide extra cover next time when Sakai is tired.
Sugawara was dangerous for AZ against Celtic in the EL Qualifiers. I remember his fearless runs forward.
Hopefully next 2 games can be won by Japan. Oman away will ne the more tricky one. Hopefully Moriyasu will be able to use Nakayama in place of Nagatomo more.