Japan have already made history no matter what happens here, credit to this group of players, they'll still be remembered for this world cup even if they go out here
Not good enough for this level. Well its time to look at the next World Cup. Good By Moriyasu. Hopefully the next generation is mentally stronger than this group
Amazing tournament nonetheless. We've broken the curse and now onto breaking the next curse i.e. Advancing beyond R16.
So disappointed with that, I was so excited to watch Japan in the quarters, how many times can we go through these heartbreaking losses at the round of 16. This is why you have to score that second goal, 1-0 is always a dangerous scoreline. Sad day Croatia Brazil just won't be the same
So shame. Great game by Japan but very very weak pk shoot out. All 3 misses are extremely weak. Guess we have to wait for another time
How Minamino did that pen tho.....shocking. Hes not the man for this moment, he would've been in his Salzburg says but not lately. Ending that tournament with wins on Germany, Spain, and a draw on Croatia in 4 matches is a good WC. They restored Japan's reputation on the world stage resolutely. People all over my town in rural Australia even talking about Japans matches in the group stage.
Looking to the next world cup, Yoshida will be gone, possibly nakai will be in the mix, Hatate will be in his prime and Kyogo may be given a chance. Mitoma will probably be at a bigger club, and hopefully a couple more stars will emerge, looking forward to seeing Kobayashi at Celtic. Still sad of course, but have to remain positive
Im conflicted on what to do about Moriyasu. This match, all his subs were probably correct for the moment. This tournament hes actually given a glimpse of what Japan beating a massive WC contender can look like which we've never really had before. I think he has earnt the opportunity to stay at the helm with this performance.
Agreed. Hate to say this but I hope Moriyasu will step down too. He's done his job, and I am grateful for it, but I want to see other more deserved players in the squad. Oh well, see you all in the next Asian Cup
Hmm, a part of me wants the Moriyasu era to end but in game management this WC he did really well. Also the team clearly like him and are very onside.
Japan, hold your head high! You've forced the vice-champions of the world through 120 minutes of fighting, and only lost out on penalties. Any idiots thinking Japan is easy to beat have just bitten through their nails to bloody stumps. I was scared sh*tless of Japanese counters. You defended quite okay in the air, as we've only scored from one cross, and our set pieces were useless. I think Moriyasu should just implement what Hatate and Furuhashi tell him, because they know how it is to attack when in control (Postecoglou is a specialist for attacking football). He has made Japan sturdy. A hug of consolation, even if virtual. Dai Nippon!!