Group E - R3 - Japan 2-1 Spain - Thursday 1st December, 2022

[Stan]

Kick-off 19.00 (GMT)

       VS     

Venue - Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan

- Spain can qualify with a draw, if Germany beat Costa Rica, or a loss if Costa Rica/Germany draw, or Germany don't beat Costa Rica by more than 7 goals
- Japan just need to draw if Germany don't beat Costa Rica by more than 1 goal, or if Germany/Costa Rica draw, but they must avoid defeat

[Rick]

Really really hope Japan step up here. 

[ASF]

Good thing it's a holiday here today, so that I can see Japan play.

Expect them to put up a decent fight, but Spain will be too much. 

0-2

[6666]

Japanese fans asking the same questions as everyone else. Why is the Japanese manager leaving a lot of his most talented players on the bench? Minamino, Tomiyasu, and Mitoma not starting is just weird.

Hope they can pull off a miracle though.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Cmon Japan

[Dr. Gonzo]

15 minutes ago, 6666 said:

Japanese fans asking the same questions as everyone else. Why is the Japanese manager leaving a lot of his most talented players on the bench? Minamino, Tomiyasu, and Mitoma not starting is just weird.

Hope they can pull off a miracle though.

Truly is bizarre

[Tommy]

Ao Tanaka starting! 

[Stan]

39 minutes ago, 6666 said:

Japanese fans asking the same questions as everyone else. Why is the Japanese manager leaving a lot of his most talented players on the bench? Minamino, Tomiyasu, and Mitoma not starting is just weird.

Hope they can pull off a miracle though.

 

24 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Truly is bizarre

Same squad that beat Germany so it's a good team to select?

[Stan]

Morata 1-0! Easy header for him, totally unmarked. 

[Mel81x+]

Easy goal for Morata in the end. Japan should be clearing better.

[6666]

And the fun for today is already over.

[Mel81x+]

Japan is trying to rush this game when they really need to be holding onto the ball instead of turning it over everytime they make some progress.

[Lucas]

This game is absolutely dead.

Nothing from Japan, too much respect shown to Spain, no atmosphere besides the odd drum being banged, it's got a real dreary feel to it.

Out with a whimper. Come on Japan for fuck sake, at least put some pressure on Spain when they have the ball, it's just ridiculous otherwise. You can close them down, it is allowed.

[Mel81x+]

Just now, Lucas said:

Out with a whimper. Come on Japan for fuck sake, at least put some pressure on Spain when they have the ball, it's just ridoculous otherwise.

This ref is a bit skewed. Two times now he's given cards when they really aren't necessary. 

[Lucas]

Just now, Mel81x said:

This ref is a bit skewed. Two times now he's given cards when they really aren't necessary. 

You get a totally mixed bag at these tournaments. Some let things go for a half and tighten up 2nd half whilst some get a bit excited and want to whip them out at any opportunity.

Not even a dirty game and Japan have 3 Yellows, nothing you'd really feel was worth picking up for.

[Stan]

Doan equalises! 

[6666]

Oh yes, here we go

[Stan]

Omg Japan score! Although the ball might have gone out? 

[Dr. Gonzo]

I think it's gone over the line fully, but I hope not.

[Harry]

That's a goal for me

[Stan]

Goal given!! Japan lead against Spain! 

[Stan]

Just now, Dr. Gonzo said:

I think it's gone over the line fully, but I hope not.

I think it's a matter of millimeters. 

[Mel81x+]

And now we have a game. 

[Mel81x+]

That better be a card.

[Stan]

Just now, Mel81x said:

That better be a card.

How come? Just a contested header.