Match 25: Netherlands v. Japan :: GAME THREAD [R]

Nice Shot by Matsui 37
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68-32 possession in the half, and it seems almost all of Japan's 32 came in the last twenty minutes.

 

With this line-up,and game plan,Netherlands really,really needs Japan to score one or maybe two own goals for Netherlands to win.

 

Not unlikely.

 

Kuyt's kick was the one, and ONLY highlight,and shot on goal.

 

Japan is smart, sit in the back and let us dictate play.

It's boring to watch and I hope the 2nd half bring us some orange goals.

 

Damn it, I want the Total Futbol/Naranja Mecanica Holland.

 

The team that was once a joy to watch has become one of the most boring sides in the World Cup. Yes, I am referring to the Netherlands, who are as boring in this match as they were in the first 80 minutes against the Danes.

As for Netherlands scoring because they have possession, you need to actually take a shot or otherwise create a chance on goal before you have any hope of scoring! Netherlands had basically one shot at goal and no scoring chances. If anything, Japan looked more menacing than the Netherlands.

For those who are not watching this game, the possession stats can be quite misleading. Japan is certainly playing most of their players behind the ball and giving the Netherlands all the possession they want. But much of the game so far from the Dutch has consisted of passes back and forth between midfielders and defenders, with those passing basically going no where that matters, many of them seeing ultimately a back pass all the way to their goalie for the repeat of the same senseless passing. Pathetic.

 

This second half... I expect the Dutch to start playing, for some 10 minutes or so, enough to score one or two at most. And then, back to passing and watching the grass grow.

 

It's a matter of minutes now.

 

You might get your wish, judging by the last sequence.

 

Old women with walkers,can defend a 8 to 10 pass build-up "attack" plan the Netherlands are using. Slow, to much time, easy to defend.

 

van bommel and gio the two old hats are the only ones doing anything

 

First Half Highlights : Netherlands vs Japan
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Japan knows they just have to weather this opening attack. 0-0 may be all they need.

 

Well now Netherlands is finally trying something. Corner after corner, Japan under siege.

 

Hell of a goal!

 

There you go.

Now, back to passing back and forth.

 

Spoke too soon. I should've stuck to "it's only a matter of time."

 

Kawashima with another Jabulani blunder.

 

That was a rocket of a goal.

 

Good strike but pretty poor goalkeeping but who cares, I'll take it

 

Netherlands and Italy seem to have switched philosophies at some point.

 

OK, nap time's over people, fasten your seat belts, the game has finally become more interesting

 

This has got to be one of the shortest hightlights videos of the entire tournament.