Is their chemistry issues with Usami? The few times I have seen him play with this team, he's looked like a real rough diamond, but I'm not suggesting he should be starting ahead of the the forward line that played Spain so well either. I was just surprised he didn't see the field at any point, when he's a player fully capable of finishing a decent half chance, let alone numerous clear looks at goal.
Probably best to cycle out one of the attackers for Usami, right? It's not like these guys are at peak physique and after spilling their guts against spain, seems wise to rotate in a quality player like Usami. But I remember hearing sekizuka was uncomfortable with Usami so maybe that's why he was omitted.
Eh, it's not like Higashi did special things :/ I would like him instead of Higashi, he probably has the best finishing of our attack.
I really hope they get the win, and then rest as many of the tired legs as possible against Honduras. Because this tournament is probably the most difficult physically if you go far. 6 games in 17 days with a squad of 18. Games will be decided later by who has the legs.
I agree that as far as finishing goes, Usami would be my bet to do it better than anybody else in the team, but does he work within a system as well balanced as the one everybody saw versus Spain? That sh*t was often so impressive, I just wan't to see if they can collectively re-produce things to the same degree of effectiveness, but this time with an end product of goals, while carrying the tag and expectations of a favourite. Bringing in Usami from the start would improve goal threat, but would his reintroduction to the starting line up also break up what was seen in terms of movement and work rate too?
Listen, Morocco is not Spain, I think it's a great mistake to figure this match like the last one hoping the whole team will play like against Spain and than overwhelm Morocco cuz they are weaker. I dunno a lot about Morocco U23, but it's nearly sure that it will be a completely different match, and our players will be tired for sure after a match like the amazing last one. For me some replacements are needed a lot. Usami will be perfect for the instance.
lol that's one of the few things I changed my mind about. I respect Gotoku but somehow the defense was gold, I was surprised by Suzuki. I urge (myself too) to not judge from a match though
Having seen the Spain game again, I must admit that the perfect press and counter tactics from the last game, would be a awful waste of time versus anybody else not called Spain. Facing Spain's ball domination system is one thing, but Morocco won't take the game to Japan having seen the threat Nagai & co. possess on the break. So like you, I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two changes versus Morocco either.
My prediction for the match in terms of line up 1. If Yuki Otsu and Hiroki Sakai are really basically 100% ok than the following Gonda Hiroki Sakai - Suzuki - Yoshida - Tokunaga Yamaguchi - Ogihara Takashi Usami - Kiyotake - Manabu Saito Yuki Otsu 2. If they are not 100% fit, than replace Otsu with Sugimoto and Hiroki with Gotoku Also I expect to see Nagai rested for majority of the game at least and Higashi as well (but could be Higashi will play and only one of Saito Usami will be in the starting line up)
you can find ok streams on firstrow sports for instance, otherwise JUSTIN TV (go there pick sports, pick Japanese writing) and than you should see the stream, but you need to be on it before the match starts, otherwise loads of times it will kick you off
Egypt - New Zealand 1-1. Therefore, NZ is out. Supposing Brazil beats Belarus, it means that Egypt has to beat Belarus to get through. A draw or a defeat would mean Belarus through. Therefore, IF we win the group we'll met one of these 2
Expat Shield + BBC site for HD streaming, it's working for me. If you want better quality I suggest you to do this
Gonda G. Sakai - Yoshida - Suzuki - Tokunaga Ogihara - Yamaguchi Kiyotake - Higashi - Otsu Nagai the official lineup (or at least according to http://www.london2012.com/football/event/men/match=fbm400d04/index.html?v=20120729-155405070 at the moment I'm writing) edit: other sources claim Usami instead of Higashi, hope it's true
So Hiroki Sakai IS injured not fine at all at least not 100% interesting that still no Manabu Saito or Usami in the first line up
Hmm where you can watch the game ? I have no stream,it's impossible that there is no Stream at the Olympics Here is some Stream : http://www.sportlemon.tv/c-1.html
It won't be broadcasted in Brazil too. Another one looking for a streaming here... Edit: http://www.vipbox.tv/olympics/football.html
Guys, read my post. Download Expat Shield, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/live-video And just select the match streaming.