Japanese NT @ AFC Asian Cup 2011 [R]

It was more noticeable at the stadium I think, just the little 50-50 decisions were too skewed toward Qatar by the ref.

What's annoyed me a little about the tournament is that it's being difficult to really gage how good/bad the team is because so many times there are 'external factors' influencing the games Japan have played. So either playing with 10 men or disallowed goals or suspensions to players.

Another thing. Against Syria & now Qatar when we had 10 men, we looked REALLY good with Honda playing at the top of the formation, just doing what he did at the world cup for us, holding the ball up. Much better there than he has been in midfield and much better there than Maeda has been.

 

Australia looked poor again but they always find a way to win.

 

Really? I thought we were great and created countless chances with no finish, usually we always get dominated by Iraq but we really had them in the corner for virtually the entire match other than the odd counter attack here and there. I was really happy, our best performance so far this tournament I'd say.

 

I thought you guys were always in control but never looked like doing anything with it. It just looks like they are going through the motion but they always get the result they need in the end. Good luck vs Uzbekistan.

 

So we're up against the Koreans, thanks to Byron Morenozbek.
********.

 

Iran would have been easier, their fitness is really poor. I have a bad feeling about this. Good thing they have been playing 120 minutes and it seems they will be missing Lee Chung Young.

 

I think its Lee Jung Soo who can't play. They just played 120 minutes and they have one less day of rest, please win.

 

Why cant he play?

 

Went into the game with a yellow and got another in the game.

 

i thought all tha cards where going to be withdrawn ahead of the semis.

 

Finally a non-West Asian opponent...
Now if Honda played anywhere near the level he played in the friendly against Korea, I would be much less concerned.

 

Their fitness was incredible, man!
Not your father's Iran!
They were running Korea off the pitch in the second extra period.

 

no, after this quarter final yellows are gone, but as Lee Jung-Soo received his 2nd yellow in this tournament today, he will suspended against Japan

 

I was amazed they managed to last so long because they were clearly beaten on speed and stamina.

True, but because Korea decided to park the bus. Still, if they have had this spirit since the beginning ... We we'll never know.


I think this year, we're more talented than Korea and with a good Kagawa, the best asian player IMO, we should win. But there's no logic when we play against them.

 

qft.

 

Do the rest of you guys agree with this nut? To claim Korea won thanks to the ref, who just happens to be one of the top officials in the game today, ridiculous.

 

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax_NMDW24qc"]YouTube - [ 2011 ASIAN CUP Quater-Fonal ] KOREA vs IRAN - Full Highlight[/ame]

I actually noticed a hand too when watching these highlights. the ball seems to hit the korean player. You can tell because it bounces so little after coming from so high.

At about 3:00 mark.

 

The ref is standing right in front of Cha and not even the Iranian players complain bc it's obvious ball to hand.

 

Anyone know about Matsuis condition? Will he be fit for Korea?

 

Matsui came back in Japan, he's out.

 

What's with the hostility guys. Can't we all just get along.