I was rooting for Japan. Not now. It's an effective tactic when holding on to a lead and playing out the final moments of a game. Not when you are losing, and there is there is plenty time to pull the game back!
Leaving your fate to another game...crazy.
But...the reason I am so angry is, because of this debacle, FIFA will probably introduce some rule for the next event that may, or may not ruin, a smart tactical managerial decision.
I just can’t root for a team that put on that display. It was a mockery of the game. I thought Belgium was the better team anyway, and they still are. 2-0 Belgium, becuse I don’t see Japan coming to play.
3-0 Belgium. I really hope J will prove me wrong but I just can't see the likes of hazard, de bruyne, meunier, lukaku, courtois etc being outplayed by hasebe, Osako & co. They're just better football players.
But so are/were the Spaniards and we all know what happened so there's hope!
4-1 to Belgium - and I agree with all the above comments that Japan deserve a thrashing.
After their shameful performance last match, I hope Belgium thrash them.
Not based on football knowledge but on personal issues in their host country :)
3-0 for Belgium based on the current status of the team. With another outcome then expected, we've seen it before but in this case not likely, the Japanese team should be hailed :)
I do not blame Japan for the way it played in the last 10 minutes if it had been the right tactical decision, but it probably wasn't - there was too much of the other game still to play for Japan to play for a draw.
But frankly people are making too big a deal about 10 minutes of play of the 270 minutes there have been so far. Most of those doing so do not seem to be that familiar with football or the odd way in which the final game of the qualifiers can go. The England Belgium game was not in reality that different - both sides fielded second string sides and England showed no desire to win, clearly understanding that losing would be to its advantage.
As for the result, Belgium to win by a couple of clear goals.
Belgium will win with 5-1 if they put pressure from the beginning. If Japan can survive the first 25 minutes it has a small chance, but this is the worst Japan team in 25 years and a worse coach. I am not referring to the last game but to all the games played under him. He does not have a clue what to do.
They lost the preparation games, and besides all the hype, they could only manage a win against a side with one man down for 87 minutes. Not Japan's fault that, but it did show the weakness of the team. Only against Senegal they played well.
And Japan has lost but they certainly gave Belgium a good run of it. So close! It’s too bad but they’ve nothing to be ashamed of. Congratulations to Belgium.
32 Comments
kawabegawa198
After their shameful performance last match, I hope Belgium thrash them.
maybeperhapsyes
Belgium will win easily.
I was rooting for Japan. Not now. It's an effective tactic when holding on to a lead and playing out the final moments of a game. Not when you are losing, and there is there is plenty time to pull the game back!
Leaving your fate to another game...crazy.
But...the reason I am so angry is, because of this debacle, FIFA will probably introduce some rule for the next event that may, or may not ruin, a smart tactical managerial decision.
Thanks Nishino!
Alfie Noakes
The Ginger Prince, Big Rom and Eden Hazard are going to turn Japan into fruit salad.
TokyoTeddy25
I just can’t root for a team that put on that display. It was a mockery of the game. I thought Belgium was the better team anyway, and they still are. 2-0 Belgium, becuse I don’t see Japan coming to play.
cucashopboy
4-1 to Belgium - and I agree with all the above comments that Japan deserve a thrashing.
lucabrasi
The Ginger Prince?
Harry’s playing for Belgium?
lucabrasi
Oh, and 5-1 to the Phlegms....
Kapuna
Belgium 2-0
Vince Black
Show them who's boss Belgium!
Wakarimasen
Allez Les Bleus (Japonais). Not sure why the outrage over their "shameful" tactics in last game.
"
Toasted Heretic
Ah, the fair weather friends...
Good luck to Japan. I shall endeavour to rise and cheer then on but alas, I feel the might is in Belgium's favor.
Just hope the last 10 minutes are not as lacklustre as the other day.
Bonsoir for now, mes amis.
goldorak
3-0 Belgium. I really hope J will prove me wrong but I just can't see the likes of hazard, de bruyne, meunier, lukaku, courtois etc being outplayed by hasebe, Osako & co. They're just better football players.
But so are/were the Spaniards and we all know what happened so there's hope!
Netgrump
Not based on football knowledge but on personal issues in their host country :)
3-0 for Belgium based on the current status of the team. With another outcome then expected, we've seen it before but in this case not likely, the Japanese team should be hailed :)
Ah_so
I do not blame Japan for the way it played in the last 10 minutes if it had been the right tactical decision, but it probably wasn't - there was too much of the other game still to play for Japan to play for a draw.
But frankly people are making too big a deal about 10 minutes of play of the 270 minutes there have been so far. Most of those doing so do not seem to be that familiar with football or the odd way in which the final game of the qualifiers can go. The England Belgium game was not in reality that different - both sides fielded second string sides and England showed no desire to win, clearly understanding that losing would be to its advantage.
As for the result, Belgium to win by a couple of clear goals.
robert maes
Belgium will win with 5-1 if they put pressure from the beginning. If Japan can survive the first 25 minutes it has a small chance, but this is the worst Japan team in 25 years and a worse coach. I am not referring to the last game but to all the games played under him. He does not have a clue what to do.
They lost the preparation games, and besides all the hype, they could only manage a win against a side with one man down for 87 minutes. Not Japan's fault that, but it did show the weakness of the team. Only against Senegal they played well.
Educator60
“game on Monday”
No idea reall, but will point out that Japan time the game will be Tuesday morning 3:00 a.m., a couple hours from now.
Ah_so
3 minutes in and nil nil, but looks like it's going to be a massacre
Ah_so
Japan now doing pretty well at half time.
Toasted Heretic
Actually impressed so far.
Educator60
Well it’s now half-time with s score if 0-0 and I still have no idea which team will prevail.
Educator60
And less than 4 min into 2nd half Haraguchi has made a goal for Japan!
Educator60
And now Inui has scored a second goal!
Toasted Heretic
This is a pleasant surprise!
Educator60
Belgium finally managed to get a goal and I still have no prediction to make, ha ha.
Educator60
And a second goal for Belgium, so they are now tied!
Toasted Heretic
Aaargh.
Come on, Japan. You can still do this.
Educator60
Ahhhh Belgium got another goal.
Educator60
And Japan has lost but they certainly gave Belgium a good run of it. So close! It’s too bad but they’ve nothing to be ashamed of. Congratulations to Belgium.
Toasted Heretic
Ah well. Much better game than expected. They kept Belgium on their toes.
Commiserations to Japan. We love you!
Ah_so
Well done Japan. Great effort.
albaleo
I wouldn't have predicted that. What a great game.