Truth to be told, most European teams - and the US - were stronger and more athletic than Nadeshiko in 2011. It didn't stop them. As said before, Sasaki's problem - in my view - was that he ran out of ideas and could not find a way to built on what he had. Playing European style football won't work for Nadeshiko unless they get a lot better, meaner, faster than the other teams. Hoping to level with taller, younger, faster players won't cut it. Shiokoshi and Takarada are tall but most impressive is Shimizu with the work she does. They will not be able to beat the Europeans at their game with a European coach who dies not understand the physical disadvantage and forces this type of game. Combine both and the the results will improve. Oh, and teach them to score.
Well, this is that sweet moment where anything is still possible! Does anyone know which Japanese channel will air the match? The same as the last one vs Chile? It's been increasingly difficult to me to find "western" streaming links that work here in Italy, so I guess I'll have to rely on the Japanese stream. But I need to know which channel I have to choose.
It might've changed since the last time I checked but I think NHK is broadcasting it on ETV(Eテレ) from 18:30 and then switching over to their main channel from 20:30. Depending on how long the game lasts and how they fit in the other sports in the schedule this might change. It's already been a nightmare switching between different NHK "sub-channels" during games. So I'm guessing it's even harder to get a stable stream going.
Ironically, it appears I already easily found a streaming link for the upcoming Brazil-Canada match, that I don't care much about, but I'll probably give a look from time to time while I wait for ours. I hope finding a link for Sweden-Japan will reveal as much easy.
It's always a nerve wracking time pre match wondering whether we are even going to get to see the game in Europe Here's hoping
Well, a website I posted earlier, should be fine. https://islive.stream2watch.sx/video/sweden-vs-japan-30-July-2021
Solid line-up. Let's hope it'll be enough. Preventing goals will be key, so Miyagawa gives me much more confidence than Kitamura. I also like the offense line with Iwabuchi and Tanaka: we need numbers ahead, if we want to ever score any goal.
No majour surprises. More defensive Miyagawa and Minami instead of more attacking Kitamura - Takarada. The only question for me was, Tanaka or Sugasawa, I guess Tanaka...Even though, she is more effective off the bench after minute 60, than Sugasawa...I hope Kinoshita will play as well.
I am watching Brazil-Canada, while I wait for our match: 0-0 so far at 75'. Some chances, but not exactly an exciting match. Is Australia-GB better, so far? Meanwhile, the link provided by @Twistal seems to work for me: it shows me ESPN TV: is this correct? Is it this channel that will broadcast Sweden-Japan in USA?
The link provided by @Twistal is still showing the extra-time for Canada-Brazil: does anyone have a Japanese streaming link?
It actually shows Japan - Sweden for me since 10 minutes before the game ) p/s 2 minutes in, Japan struggling already, I feel an absolute disaster is coming...
Ok, it will be a long 90 minutes. Eriksson already scores an header at 6'. These are the kind of dangers we should have been able to identify and to try to defend well. But there's no way out: if you squeeze out from your group as 3rd-placed and have to meet one of the strongest teams of these Olympics, you have to expect an opponent that's actually out of your reach.
Actually, I meant 3-0 at least. This is just embarrassing to watch, Sweden just runs through "our" players...Literally, just passing them without putting any effort in... Japan can't even keep the ball, just long balling it...What am I watching...
BOOOM!!! Now we have a proper match on our hands. Tanaka with the easy tap-in after a perfect cross from the right side to make it 1-1. edit: Dunno for you if geoblocking is a thing, but this is my link. God bless the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation/Radio-Canada.
Sweden has also learned that Nadeshiko is most vulnerable within the first 25 minutes while trying to sort out the game. But maybe this time they are in the game faster...