No more foreign coaches please, almost every single one of them has been a complete and utter failure for the most part.
Now if I'm not mistaken in the upper part of the second kanji there's the kanji for "dragon". Someone can teach me why in "counterattack" there's the word "dragon" please? Thanks!
Till now, against the likes of Nagatomo, Yoshida, Itakura and Sakai they scored only 1 and only by pk kindly granted by Gonda. Against Spain they scored thanks to a sub CF who came from Werder Bremen (9th in Bundesliga, no UCL/EL/CL). I hope they maintain continuity and score 1 against the Costa Rica bus.
Moriyasu and his team only have themselves to blame for by putting JNT in this current position in the 1st place. If JNT had played their full starting squad, probably would have at least salvaged a draw. Germany seems to be going all out against CR. Japan might need to play to win rather than just to draw against Spain.
Pulling off the upset would be nice, I'm not gonna lie, but I'm hoping for at least a good performance so that we can leave the tournament with our heads held high. Dreams of the knockout stage were squashed by the Costa Rica debacle and the team needs to at least show its quality in its last game. All credit to Australia for what they've done this tournament, but they show that it isn't simply that the best teams move on the Round of 16. Iran and Saudi Arabia were clearly better teams than this current version of Australia during qualifying, and yet neither are advancing. Tactical decisions, injuries, form, mental factors, and just plain old luck have a lot to do with which teams move on.
How Japan got itself in this position is so beyond stupid its unbelievable. So hopefully now they've put themselves backs against the wall again they can play some solid football in the final game.
Sure. But it is also about the deliver when it counts. Australia would probably be only team from asia qualifiers to advance. Who would have bet money on that? Look at Danmark. Been one of the best teams in Europe lately. Wasnt long ago since I saw them totally outplay and win against France in nations league. Now they can barely play ball.
Guys we need to win as we were in the Round of 16. Change mentality: who cares about Germany and CR, it's like a ko stage match and you must win to advance. If they play as vs Belgium in 2018 it will be fantastic. Maybe w/o concede a counter on a ck for us this time. I think this will be the last match for Moriyasu then try to outsmart Luis Enrique and don't feck up all.
Just ahead of Croatia's match, I'm home, and it's time for the 3. word I'll be learning to write. しょうこん (perseverance; determination; tenacity; energy) is what Japan will need, and hopefully have more than Spain tonight. First place is possible! 性根 !
I swear to god Moriyasu is high. What again is this line up. Endo bench Tanaka first team Itakura, Yoshida and Taniguchi defense Good lord
Not sure why Endo is on the bench... but Tullio and Nakamura didn't have him in the starting line-up either.. strange, is he injured or something? Otherwise in theory 3 back, Nagatomo+Ito on the sides, Maeda up top, Kubo-Kamada behind is a good line up. Better use that against Costa Rica. But no, there you had to play a waiting game.... Looks a bit like Moriyasu gave up on the waiting for the second half tactic? Kubo-Kamada otherwise makes little sense, so might try to have the team play when they have the ball. If they ever get it that is. Of course we already know the changes he'll make at half time or shortly after: Asano in, Maeda out. Mitoma in, Nagatomo out. My original prediction vs Spain was that they get destroyed, 2-0, but somehow I'm a bit more optimistic now. There is a chance! Might be wishful thinking....
Spain now might not want to be first. It means going against Croatia, who have debts to repay from the Euros. Tomiyasu must be injured. Regardless, I want Japan to progress. If it means a clash with Croatia...ok.
Wtf is wrong with Tomiyasu that hes bench again. Taniguchi on? Given the injuries, this is hopefully the right team. Ito and Nagatomo gotta have massive games today as does Morita/Tanaka. So many injuries this WC.
Japan plays with a 3-4-3 today. Maybe it works but Tomiyasu or of course Ito would be better for Taniguchi. He need to make the game of his life today. Ganbare Japan!!! We need Kamadas Frankfurt Face and Kubos Spain destroyer mode.
Of course Mitoma in Kubo's place would be much better... but well, super-sub, now one of Moriyasu's fix ideas. He doesn't understand that the super part is the one that counts... Still, with this line up seems Moriyasu is there to let them play for once. Endo injured according to my wife.