This game was very desperate for Japan as Blue Samurais tried to defeat Greece in order to advance to the 16th round. With disappointing loss against Ivory Coast (1-2), Japan’s national team hoped that they could rebound back to the 16th round track by beating Greece. However, luck didn’t play well against Japanese as they leave the stadium with the result of 0-0.
There have been frustrating games over this World Cup and this game also made into the list. This match is probably the most frustrating game that I have ever seen as both teams failed to execute their plans well. So many chances throughout the whole game and yet they all somehow decided to flop them. Especially, Japan had 74% of the ball but no progress ever happened. Man, this is just a disappointing match to watch. It literally hurt my eyes seeing this game and I kept asking myself what was the point of this game. However, both teams still have a chance going to the 16th round, but in your dreams. Any last words? Nope, peace out tools. Time to pack up.
Under Alberto Zaccheroni’s leadership, Blue Samurais put Yuya Osako as one top while placing Yoshito Okubo, Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Okajaki to support Osako. During the first half, Japan was able to lead the game. On 29th, Honda attempted a powerful free kick close to the penalty box, but Greek goalie, Karnezis, saved the ball from going in. Also, on 34th, Okubo tried to connect the cross pass from Nakamoto with header, but that didn’t work neither (really really blew it).
It seemed like Japan would be in complete control as Piratiko’s captain, Katsouranis, was sent off from the game with the red card after trying to tackle recklessly against Hasebe. Just unwise and tactless decision for Katsouranis as he jeopardized the team even more. With one man down from Greece, Japan had an advantage to completely control the game. But yet, they let Torosidis almost score the goal from the right side of penalty box but Kawashima (GK) was able to save it (amazing save!). Without much progress done, Japan and Greece exit the field as the half time whistle blew.
What I noticed from the first half was that both teams used their subs early in order to change the tide of the game. On 36th, Greece replaced Mitroglou and put Gekas on the front. And then 41st, Greece replaced Fetfatzidis with veteran Karagounis. Japan also replaced Hasebe with Endo on 46th and Osaka with Kagawa in order to pressure down the Greek defense.
Greece almost had a chance to score as Gekas responded the corner kick with a header on 60th minute, but Kawashima was able to block it. After Gekas’s attack, Japan was able to attack the goal post more frequently but luck didn’t click with them. Honda’s free kick on 67th was blocked by the defense and Okubo shot the ball with his left foot a minute later but it was too weak. Japan had a golden chance on the last minute before the closure. They had Endo attempt a free kick but no luck played in at all. With Japan’s last attack completely resulting in failure, game concluded 0-0.
Starting XI
Greece: Karnezis; Torosidis, Manolas, Papstat, Holebas; Matiatis, Katsouranis, Kone, Ioanis, Samaras; Mitroglou.
Japan: Kawashima; Nagamoto, Konno, Yoshida, Uchida; Hasebe, Yamaguchi; Okubo, Honda, Okazaki, Osako.
Man of the Match
I will go with Keisuke Honda. Although Honda failed to score against Greece, Honda proved himself that he was Japan’s ace. He completed 75 passes that were pretty deadly against Greek defense but luck didn’t side with him at all. He could have scored on 29th with his powerful free kick but Karnezis saved the ball. It definitely had Karnezis scared as he saw how powerful Honda’s shot was. Although he wasn’t able to make more impressive plays after, Honda didn’t give up as he kept knocking on Greece’s goal post.
Player Ratings
Greece
Karnezis 7- He made really good saves that would have deteriorated Greece’s situation. He didn’t make mistakes during his time and his handling was good.
Torosidis 7- Had moments when he could have scored during Greece’s counterattack on the first half. But as Greece changed their strategy on second half, he became more defensive and helped Greece out.
Manolas 8- Strong presence throughout the game. Successfully stopped Japan from counterattacking.
Papstat 6.5- Almost made a mistake when he came to his side late during Honda’s counterattack. But, besided that, he had a strong play against Japan.
Holeba 5.5- He keeps forgetting where his place is! I know he wants to help in attacking Japan but he is a defender! Really struggled defensively overall.
Maniatis 6- Much better than last game. Handled the ball decently and he was able to protect the backline.
Fetfatzidis 5- No impact whatsoever on first 40 minutes in the game. Great job, you are out because you are useless.
Katsouranis 3.5- Very stupid of him for being too aggressive towards Hasebe. As a captain, he should have known better. Just be thankful that Greece didn’t lose. But this might be his last game overall.
Kone 7- Played smart with the ball and almost scored but Kawashima got lucky with it. But he filled in void that Katsouranis left because of his red card.
Mitroglou 4.5- Again, made no impact during his presence. No cohesion when I saw him playing. But he was sent off as he was injured from collision against Yoshida, tsk tsk.
Samaras 6.5- Although Katsouranis left the field, Samaras supported the team throughout and didn’t shake when Japan attacked. But was unlucky with his header during second half of the game.
Gekas 6.5- Well, at least he did better than Mitroglou. Had a couple shots against Japan but he knew better than that.
Karagounis 6- Nice defensive shield for the backline.
Salpingdis 5.5- Didn’t really make an impact of the match as he was subbed in late.
Japan
Kawashima 8- Great rebound from poor performance against Ivory Coast. Effective communication and handling from him.
Uchida 6.5- Easily frustrated as Holebas was initiating Greece’s counterattacks. But did better on final third of the game.
Yoshida 6- Strong on air and decent passes.
Konno 6- Great performance during first half but seemed to have worn out as he struggled against Samaras on second half.
Nagamoto 7- Did better job in defending comparing to others. Great asset to Japan as he raided forward against Greece.
Yamaguchi 6- Better than last game but poor quality throughout the game. Okay distribution but failed to be aggressive.
Hasebe 6.5- Did well against both Katsouranis and Samaras but wasn’t 100% fit for the game.
Honda 8.5- Did everything for Japan by having players move forward. Made a really powerful free kick on the first half but didn’t go in. It’s a shame that his magic failed to penetrate Greek defense.
Okubo 4- Screwed up big time when he had a chance on the penalty box. Seriously? Wasn’t he supposed to be the next rising star of Japan? Heard he had a good accuracy but I guess that was a rumor. No wonder he’s still stuck in J-League.
Osako 6- Showed direct running and movement as he tried to look for a goal. But other than that… Nothing much happened.
Okazaki 5.5- A few good runs but no impact.
Endo 6- Uncoordinated comparing to his teammates in second half. Moved around but nothing exciting came out.
Kagawa 4.5- Completely ineffective throughout the second half. No wonder he didn’t start the first half because he’s in slump. Had okay touches but that was about it. Kagawa pull your acts together.