Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Well we've just witnessed history. Japan's first victory over Argentina, plus the first evidence we can defend without Nakazawa. 2nd half Zac made the changes at the right time you could see Endo was f**ked chasing backwards. 1st half was best, 2nd was very tough at the last 15 or so minutes. This game will do wonders for Kurihara hopefully. At the very least he will probably never be intimidated again in an international after this game. ------------------- And now Goru is at Saitama in the middle of what must just be a massive party right now.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] With this win Japan are now the Unofficial World Champions for the first time ever.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Love the mentality. Watching them there is a lot of confidence within the team, something which we missed before WC. Even if not everything is working, a significant step up.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Glad Zac's team started with an incredible result. I hope he'll have better choices for defenders by the Asian Cup.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] How did Japans centre backs played? Do you think Nakazawa could have a hard time getting in the firts 11 when he comes back from injury?
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Wonderful !! Brillant result ! 3 post-World Cup games : 3 victories.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Unfortunately - I think no problem for him at the moment. But maybe it's because we haven't seen much efforts to change this situation.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Congrats. Caught the second half, and all I can say is that I've never seen a Japanese squad play with this much confidence and dedication since your Confed Cup 2000 era. I don't know how good he actually is in J-league but just by watching the second half I have to say this Maeda guy seems quite brilliant.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] I have lost a lot of money betting on Japan over the years... but after today I can happily say I have come out even.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Anyone interested in a really good laugh should check out the report on Goal.com http://www.goal.com/en/match/52606/japan-vs-argentina/report Take a good look at the top line where the score is given, and underneath the match data: Venue - NACK5 Stadium Omiya It gets worse from there. When you reach the final paragraph, where Shensueki Nakamura almost scored in the final minutes, if you arent either laughing hysterically or gagging with disgust, then youve got a very strong stomach
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] In Goal.com's preview for this match. They mention frequently how this is Japan's 3rd game in a series of 4 matches played in the space of 9 days. Claiming we played Guatemala YESTERDAY, played Paraguay on Monday and are finishing our four match series with Korea Rep on the 12th.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Goal.com got a lot of the info incorrect for the Iran/Brazil match played yesterday as well including the wrong coach for the Iranian side. Not very professional to say the least.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] And Hasebe was a subs according to Goal.com, when actually he was the guy with a cracking shoot which led to Okazaki goal
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] This is why the reports for these type of matches needs to be done by an Asian correspondent for a decent review, instead of some Argentinian specialist who obviously has no clue about the Japanese/Asian squads. Shen sueki... must have been some sort of a Chinese guy... I have to say that I love the atmosphere at Saitama... ever since watching the Japan/Belgium match in 2002.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] At least Goal.com have John Duerden, a guy who truly knows Asian football, and his editorials show it.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Sigh, this is just deplorable reporting... Especially when the list of the squads below only shows Nakamura Kengo... On that note, I was pleased with the result, but is Japan going to just play counter attacking football under Zaccaroni, or was this just a tactic for the Argentina match?
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] Fantastic performance from Japan. Now go do this away from home.
Re: (10.08.10) Friendly: Japan x Argentina [R] It was for this match only. It would be stupid for Zac to play an open game (this applies to almost every NT in the world i think).