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

Okubo is trigger happy, but hey, with all that space given....

 

One of these days, someone is going to tie the Dutch in the last minute because of the score-and-relax technique.

 

First Goal for Netherlands by Sneijder 54
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This style of play of doing just what is necessary in order to win is actually more efficient getting titles than playing beautifully and getting tired.

So now that they've got boring, the Dutch may win their first WC.

 

Shun Shun Nakamura set to come on.

 

yes, indeed. Now, our boys, stay back and don't get too excited. We have a strong joker for attacking option. NAKAMURA!!

 

Not sure it's efficient at getting titles (seeing as how they don't have any), but it might just be enough to down a country like Japan.

 

That goal was another Jabulani moment.

 

yet another Okubo shot.

 

the dutch coach loves making subs doesn't he

 

The Oranje lost two world cup finals playing beautiful football.

Now they've learned. They save strength and hide their cards.

I consider them a very strong candidate to win it all.

 

Looks like early '80s Dutch all over again. Endlessly failing with their "score and hang back for a while" mentality when their strength is in attack.
We need to play forward... and much faster.

Edit: Except for the failing part... of course as yet at least...

 

Both teams pretty much frustrating each other.

 

Mayne, Elia needs to be in to ice this thing.

 

holland is going no where with this line up. its insanity that this coach is sticking with it.

 

woooooo Van Persie almost OGed that

 

this change should have been made at half time

 

Elia in.

 

That was a defender's cross by Kumano.

 

Italy has dominance in Europe, just like Brazil in South America. I think Italy can defeat this Netherlands.

 

Ven Persie seems a bit... well, useless, no?

 

without a 100% robben or elia starting most teams can beat the dutch. against a quality team they cannot waste 45 minutes like they have the last two games

 

They wouldn't.

They still got half the deck up their sleeve. Truth is, a tie in this game would be enough.

 

When it hits 80', the Dutch will go for the second.

 

Tulio is proving not as useful as everyone thinks.