That youtube of the slideshow is beautifully editted to music. As for Saki, well I have loved her ever since she bent under FW Garefrekes nose to clear the goal-line against Germany, and I realised she would shore up the gaps that GK Kaihori leaves wide open. In fact Kaihori is now the only one that I am not in love with. Early morning for me to see the So Ko game! Gambare or whatever they say!
On second thoughts, it seems quite strange to me what the article I linked in a previous message said: I mean, are really often goalkeepers given "days off" to rest? Not considering that in fact Fukumoto, who played against Thailand, had a virtual "day off" too, given the fact that she mostly just had to watch the game from very good seat... Well, we'll see who's going to play today (I can't wait for the game to start, by the way. And this time it's gonna be real game, way more difficult than the Thai onslaught). Anyway, mumf, as I said in the overall WWC's rating, I don't share your total lack of confidence in Kaihori. I said she's still got a lot to learn, but I don't think she's as bad a goalkeeper as you seem to think. But only time will tell who's wrong on this subject. Meanwhile... I seem to remember that someone here in the forum was a fan of "Kozukozu" Ando in particular. Well, the pics on this link seem to suggest that she has a sorta "personal museum" somewhere in Japan. I'd like to dedicate one to other players also... http://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/news/tochigi/sports/news/20110902/601909 It seems like North Korea was disqualified from all FIFA competitions until 2015, because of the massive (state-endorsed, it's implied) doping practice of her athletes. Now, I know it's not really those poor girls' fault, because it's their government forcing them to act this way, but you find fair that this team is still competing for a berth at London 2012 Olympics? I mean, I know FIFA and the international olympic committee are different entities, so a ban for one organization doesn't automatically traslate into a ban for the other one, but how wrong would it feel if a team well-known and yet sentenced for its deceitful doping practices would deny another team (Japan, for instance) its berth for London Olympics? the qualifier tournament is now in the motion and we'll see how it will turn out, but I can't help but feel there's something wrong in having a team compete, that it's banned already from WWC 2015. How you all people feel about this subject? I know it's sensitive, but I'd like to have your point of view anyway.
Still two hours before the starting whistle. I can't wait. I hope the live feeds from two days ago will work ok today too.
Agreed. Mumf did you also notice how good (and new) some of the pictures are? By the way, judging by some after-match photos of Japan-Germany and Japan-Sweden in that slideshow, it seems that using fair-play with opponents and soothing them when they lose it's an habit for Miyama and not something she suddenly thought of after Japan-USA.
I suppose this link should work, but It didn't start broadcasting the match yet: http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/81738/1/watch-south-korea-vs-japan-[asian-olympic-qualifiers-women].html# edit: still says "coming soon". When they start normally? 5 minutes before the match?
I don't have all names, but Ohno, Sawa, Miyama, Sakaguchi are all playing. 5' Iwashimizu tries a shoot from a Miyama's corner. Out, but good pressure from Japan. 6' good shot of Kawasumi, out but very near the post.
My live feed showing some troubleshooting... anyone has a better one??? nevermind, found this one: http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/8/194/v-299527.html
20' free kick for S. korea, Kaihori easily saves. On subsequent break for Japan Ando conquers a corner, but nothing more happens. Meanwhile commentator says Australia is still on 0-0.
25' some good actions from Japan with no finishes though. Good Sameshima run on the left. In defense, Kumagai reigns supreme.
NOOOOO. 1-1 (it all came from a Kumagai slipping in midfield....) edit: by the way this pitch is awful... Kaihori just eredicated some grass with a kick-out. No surprise Saki slipped...