Interesting that the Belges had a post match huddle which Lukaku was leading, and de Bruyne was completely detached from the rest, no interest in it. Perhaps because he is being played in the wrong place and is getting pissed off about it.
After slagging off Lukaku, he played a great part in that goal without even touching the ball. First, a run inside to open up the space on the right, and then a great dummy to leave Chadli a tap-in.
Gutted for Japan. Never watched them before, but I like their confidence on the ball, even in defence, no panic, just a logical series of passes to move up the pitch, then speed and finding space to create numerous chances. Belgium were shell shocked at 2 down, they didn't have a clue until the subs came on. Japan's confidence rocked by the 1st Belgian goal, then they struggled to play like they did for 45-65. They tried to make their last free kick and subsequent corner the last action of the 90 and paid the price. But you all know this, so what the **** was the point in me writing this?
Just watched Brasil Mexico "live" -great game, 2 excellent teams. Neymar and William coming into some form at the right time. So went really live to Belgium Japan and saw the great winner.
I was very impressed by Japan as I admit that I did not think they were a match for Belgium, and they nearly won it! Credit that they went for the win at the end and did not wait for extra time or penalties, and it almost paid off for them. Unfortunately, they were then rather naive in their defence and were hit by a brillantly fast and effective Belgian counter attack. I admit that I was sorry for them. They players and fans must have been really gutted. However, they went out in a very credible and heroic way. Well done Japan!
Getting nervous. Colombia have a seriously good attack and we have Kyle Walker, who doesn’t want to play in a back three, Gavin Maguire, with all the experience of a three day old puppy, and John Stones, who has been diagnosed with right brain issues, up against them.
Just read an article stating that the Japanese football team throughly cleaned their dressing room, while their fans cleaned the terraces. The team also left a ‘Thank You’ note to the Russians. All l can say is..... Well Done to them. Pity more people/ countries don’t follow suit.
They put in a great performance last night and they are exemplars of polite, decent behaviour. But their tactics for the last 15 minutes of the Poland game were a disgrace, and they should have been punished for it. The Senegalese fans also tidied up after themselves, by the way.
Disgrace? That's harsh even for you, mate. They attacked because they knew they couldn't out-muscle or out-play the Belgians (especially once the subs had been made) and they knew that by retreating, they would get picked off. The fact that it very nearly paid off for them shows how close they came to getting a result.
If you read my post I was talking about the Poland game, where they played keep ball in the middle of the pitch for 15 minutes, not even trying to attack, gambling that Senegal wouldn’t score and that they (Japan) would go through having fewer yellow cards. To their shame Poland just stood back and watched them do it. Their attitude and performance last night was great.
Missed the word Poland. Apologies. You could argue that a different approach and we wouldn't have got last nights game though. It's all about getting through.
This is true. The fans at every match bought bags and tided the terraces before leaving. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44492611 An amazing culture.
You and no manager in any interview I've heard since the tournament started. They want to play well, but above all they want to win. everyone has said that. I'm quite pleased you're not the manager....
If you wander around a Japanese city you quickly notice that it’s virtually spotless, and also that (except outside convenience stores) there are no litter bins. They take their rubbish home with them.
Well spotted that I’m not a manager, and to reassure you I have no ambitions to be one. I’m just a fan who loves to be delighted and entertained by the beautiful game, and finds the cynicism of the ‘win at all costs’ attitude and associated behaviours slightly dispiriting. My perspective is different to yours, isn’t there room for both? As I’ve said before I’m perfectly happy be in a minority, if that’s the case.
