Just a few minutes ago, I witnessed Japan beat Cameroon by a solitary goal in an encounter that has left Asian supporters in delight. It was a historic moment – the first time Japan had won away from home in a World Cup.
Before the game, I had predicted Cameroon to win the game by 3 goals in the Sportskeeda Predictor. What a disappointment!
I had assumed the presence of Eto’o and Mbia would be too hot for the Japanese to handle. Coupled with the speed of the taller and stronger African players, it was only logical that they play more often in the air and use their height to their advantage.
How wrong I was!
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In an almost drab encounter, Japan not only nicked it, but also gained newfound respect from the spectators. So where did they win the match? Weren’t they at a disadvantage?
1. The gap in midfield:
Japanese players defended in numbers. Where Cameroon lost it, was when there was no player in the gap created in the mid-field. Quick, short passes were the order of the day, and Cameroon players rather aided japan by not exploiting the gap and preferring to play man-to-man.
2. Stubborn Defending:
As in the figure, the Japanese defense chose to play inside the box, and the mid-field dropped back to mark each player individually. Any loose ball was fought for fiercely, and any ball that wqas crossed in was crowded out. Cameroon did not seem to have any other ideas. More balls were played closer to ground than aerial, and hence the Asians’ disadvantage of lack of height was negated.
3. The Save in extra-time:
An amazing instinctive save by Kawashima in the 93rd minute was what kept the japanese spirits up. Though Eto’o was booked for dangerous play, had that gone in, there was also a possibility of the referee not giving the decision.
4. A solid outing for Nakazawa:
Japanese central defender Nakazawa impressed everyone out there, and was probably the most self-assured player on the pitch today. He was involved in several impressive last ditch blocking, and great positional play all through the 90 minutes.
All in all, better might have expected from Cameroon, but that is not to say Japan did not deserve the victory. The goal itself was a cool finish – and Japan became the second Asian team to register a victory at this World Cup.
I’ll be wiser and give them better odds next time in my Predictor!!
