(2011.09.02) FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Japan x DPR Korea [R]

A nice wake up call after all. It's always not easy to score against an opponent who does nothing but bunkering. Still, Japan's performance today wasn't satisfactory either but who cares as long as they fly to Uzbek with 3 points.

Loved the NK's goalie though. he can probably scratch my back from 5 meters away. Impressive.

 

saw the game on Justin.tv, thanks to SamuraiBlue2002 for the heads up.
caught all the 2nd Half, Japan created chances, and many of them did make it on target, but the NK's GK was quick to react. I think Japan hit the framework 4-5 times in this game. It was exciting how many times they moved into the box, but then the defense was quick to block their shot or even give them time to kick it.

-Hasebe really got things going in the 2nd Half, he started really well with a rocket shot just 1 min. into the 2nd Half. It clearly showed Japan's intention in the 2nd Half, really got things started.
-Hasebe's assist to Yoshida was amazing. It was a great Header for Yoshida and how it got the celebration going.
I would really love to watch the match in full, please post upload links when anyone finds them, thank you.

Good Luck against Uzbekistan on 09.06.2011.
GO JAPAN! GAMBARE, NIPPON! GAMBARE SAMURAI BLUE!

 

Woah, tough game. I'm watching the replay right now, based Yoshida saves the day again just like in that Asian Cup game.

 

This is not the Japan that I know.

If this was a couple of years ago the game would have been a tie.

Something is definitely wrong here.......

Also, I miss Nagatomo's runs down the left side. I hope he comes back soon.

In regards to the "Yasuda" goal:

Michihiro Yasuda = M.Y.
Maya Yoshida = M.Y.

M.Y. = M.Y

A reasonable error for a person not familiar with the team.

 

I don't quite exactly understand what you're saying...

Are you saying that Japan is stronger? Japan now compared to before would've been stronger. A tie would mean Japan concedes a goal, or won't score at all.

what is wrong? you sound like saying Japan winning is a bad thing...

Agreed. Nagatomo's can wreak havoc for any defense on the edge and provide many exceptional crosses.
But I think Komano is holding his own well and done a good job on the left. Even though Komano doesn't run deep as much as Nagatomo. he tends to provide cover at the back and opt not too run forward when he have Kagawa or kiyotake up in front.

Found the goal video:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzjW62PBxUI"]Japan 1-0 North Korea 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier 01/09/2011 - YouTube[/ame]

 

What I'm talking about was Japan's ability to get lots of shots of goal and a majority of possession, but never finishing off the match in the past.

Those kinds of games happened a lot and were extremely frustrating to watch.

When I say something is wrong, I don't mean it in a negative context.

 

Yet the result wasn't frustrating and that's all what should matter in this kind of games, getting the three points. I think the team was really missing Honda. He has become so important and has a strong influence on the team, inside and outside the pitch.

China also struggled against Singapore and Australia against Thailand. (PS : Both of their goals were scored by J. Leaguers).

 

I suppose we have some kind of winning mentality and it goes hand in hand with not needing to play beautiful football to win. I have to watch it again but I think the last 5 minutes we literally forced the goal.

 

I thought so too, but it was all the more important that this team was able to show that he can be (partly) compensated.

 

I don't think we missed Honda at all. iMO once Hasebe's started pushing forward in the second half, he was worthy of filling Hondas shoes.

 

no.

 

Saying that it was all becuase Honda wasn't on the pitch means that even DPRK NT is as good as those 'famous' Japanese players who boast Asian pride in Europe. The Japanese NT isn't Spain NT yet. Deal with that fact. At least they grabbed 3 points. They should maybe apologize for not winning by 5 goal margin every game next time.

 

Spain is too overrated IMO, Netherlands and Germany are one or maybe five steps ahead

 

One or ... five ?
Spain are World and Euro champions. They are by no means overrated.

 

Right, I agree with you. Did you mean to reply to another post? I wasn't the one saying we really missed Honda in the game. If he had played, I don't think there would have been any difference. Kashiwagi was doing okay, and like Honda did in the game against SK he lacked finishing (okay, but unlike Honda he skied to the ball to the moon)

 

The big lesson that as learned I think for the rest of this campaign is how important an early goal is at home.

No team in asia will dare to really 'play' in Japan except South Korea.

Also, given this, Havenaar is a top choice against these teams and opens up the realistic possibility of "route 1"

 

Just like the great Sota Hirayama when healthy

 

Hahaha..... saku, let it go

 

Thought the same thing under Zico!!

 

With this game over, the next one is in 4 days. Uzbekistan also scored a sole goal to win against Tajikistan, it was in the 75th Minute.
Did anyone watch the game? What are Uzbekistan strong and weak points? how will Japan fare against them, what would be the toughest issue for Japan against Uzbek.?

 

What was with the unusual amount of North Korea supporters? Did Chongryon send a brigade or something?

 

With the number of Chongryon affiliated schools and businesses, wasn't that surprising. They most probably all live in Japan.

Anyway, I thought Kashiwagi looked good (I may be a biased Reds supporter though) with his distribution and getting into good shooting and pass-receiving positions. It's totally different from how Honda would have played the AM role though, he looks to get the midfield/wings more involved. I think Kashiwagi should be relatively secure for his spot in the NT roster, although maybe as a back-up/alternative to Honda.

 

That's something I'd have expected from Takeshi Okada.

 

Yes, I think you are
I missed most of the first half so I won't comment too much, but my impression of him would be better if he didn't freak out every time he had a wide open shot. Then again, it is kind of something we are used to. That is why we need Honda.