Japan, Australia draw 0-0 in World Cup qualifier

Wednesday 11th February, 09:18 PM JST

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

› Login to comment

Latest 15 of 38 Total Comments Show All

OzKen at 12:32 PM JST - 12th February

Australia had no intentions other than to get a draw out of the game and they achieved it. Ver Beek announced a 4-3-3 formation before the game but it was really a 4-5-1 formation. The Aussies smothered the Japanese in the midfield and the Japanese had no room to play. I counted only 3-4 chances in the entire game. Endo came closest smashing a volley straight at the Aussie keeper in the 2nd half. I think Japan needs to get rid of Okada. They need a European coach with world experience and better tactics and discipline. Okada is kidding himself if he thinks Japan can reach the SF's of the World Cup, they will lose all 3 games again under him. And why hasn't Takayuki Morimoto been brought into the squad? He plays for Catania in Serie A and has scored 3 goals for them this season. A much better striker than what was on show last night. Or what about Koki Mizuno who plays for Celtic? Honestly Okada doesn't know what he's doing. How about next time they try a 4-2-3-1 formation like the way Australia plays at home to great success. Japan can do much better than what they are doing right now, I am certain of that, and Okada needs to take responsibility for their shortcomings.
whitepocky at 02:17 PM JST - 12th February

Japan lacks that killer ball that is going to unlock a stubborn defence. They perform poorly on the world stage because they can not penetrate the oppositions defence with speed and guile. All these nice passes to feet mean nothing when the opposition has two lines of four behind the ball.

Australia had no intentions other than to get a draw out of the game and they achieved it.

So Australia came for the draw, what's wrong with that. As the home team it is Japan's priority to play attacking football and find that winning goal.

I wish Japan the best of luck for reaching the finals in SA, only so that there is some interest generated in this country. Trouble is I fear they will be on the first plane home when they come up against decent opposition.
OzKen at 02:37 PM JST - 12th February

So Australia came for the draw, what's wrong with that.

Nothing is wrong with that. I was just stating facts, and I try to make an opinion without any bias. Obviously I do a pretty good job, as I refer you to my user name for a clue to where I am from.
cow76 at 02:49 PM JST - 12th February

Pretty good game but the Aussie tactics were a bit too defensive. Japan really should have won, they had a few good chances. Hopefully Australia can lift a bit for their remaining games (and then win the World Cup).
wuzzademcrat at 03:40 PM JST - 12th February

Who was worse? I couldn't tell.
nandakandamanda at 03:51 PM JST - 12th February

"Who was worse? I couldn't tell."

Neither. They were both good and it was a win/win game.
wuzzademcrat at 06:47 PM JST - 12th February

"They were both good and it was a win/win game."

Good on em. Next meeting they can swap jerseys at halftime.
fordtuff at 10:15 PM JST - 12th February

One only has to look at the huge photo on the backpage of todays sports sections to know what Australia was up to. Grins a mile wide, back slaps and high fives... they got exactly what they wanted, another shut out and another point ! Yer fooling yerself out there if anyone thinks a tie was what Japan was hoping for. Playing at home, full strength, WC qualifying... nothing short of a win is a major disappointment. Japan has only itself to blame. Their strategy was faulty from the opening kickoff. In the first 20 minutes we saw the Samurai blue flail about and take one "rewarded" dive after another. It seemed obviouse that Japan was hoping to get that first goal via a Nakamura free kick, but alas the wall was too tall and Shunsuke was off target... way off ! My advice to Japan is thus... stop the theatrics, especially in yer own half. It killed your fast break opportunities and a team built around ball handling and speed can't be playing for "deadball" situations. Not to mention that once you get to S.A. the refs are not gona play that game... not like the third worlders you get refing the matches here in Asia. I mean get real, the first free kick awarded to Shunsuke was a quick left foot right foot push that had the ball out of bounds before he threw his leg into the defender and hit the ground. At the WC tourney the ref will laugh it off and clearly state the ball was unplayable, get up and knock off the nonsense. In short, Japanese fans need not worry. Fifa and a very weak bracket all but guarantees Japan a place in the Cup. The current job at hand is to prepare for a higher calibre of talent that awaits in SA. This game, on both sides, was poorly played and if not improved on will find both Australia and Japan flying home early. As for other action... a superb performance by the Americans as they beat Mexico 2-0 ! Watch out for this team in Africa. They are fast, talented, and if they can get past the typical biased officiating, they could make some noise... quarterfinals again ?
ihavearrived at 11:08 PM JST - 12th February

I went to the game and enjoyed it thoroughly. both teams were giving their best. you can see why there is such a big rivalry. probably becoming one of the biggest in world football.
fordtuff at 11:17 PM JST - 12th February

ihavearrived..."both teams were giving their best."

I disagree. It was obvious that Australia was content with a tie. They sat back on defense for most of the game just daring Japan to score. Now, if that had happened, if Japan had scored... now that would have made for an entertaining game. But 0-0... ho hum, and Japan loses out on two points. Congratulations Australia... you got yer point, now lets hope you can show more enthusiasm when Japan comes to play on your turf.
Stoker at 09:21 AM JST - 13th February

Does anyone know how the match was reported in Japan?
Osakadaz at 04:01 PM JST - 13th February

The press gave Pim a lot of credit for playing for a draw and getting what he wanted,and then they laid into Japan's strikers for not burying the ball in the net in 13 shots on goal.I was at the stadium and it was a pretty docile game,with Japan's midfield running the show.I expect pim will let our strikers have free rein in the return leg.It wasn't pretty to my Aussie eyes,but Pim is paid to do a job and he has pretty much done that.

As an aside, The JFA organised a money collection for the Australian bushfire victims, and the spectators threw in over 300,000 yen and the JFA themselves gave 2 million yen.In all, nearly 40,000 AUD, which is a remarkable effort! I would,as an Australian,like to thank the JFA and the Japanese sporting public for their gracious and charitable act.Thank you Japan!
LoveUSA at 04:59 PM JST - 15th February

So Australian team has only one handsome guy, number 4, the one with the tattoo? One handsome guy and zero skillful ones :(, that is the recapitulation.
LoveUSA at 04:59 PM JST - 15th February

Japanese team was much better, but unfortunately could not score. It is a pity if a team like Aus qualifies for the world cup, one of the most boring teams on earth. But good luck.
flammenwerfer at 05:03 PM JST - 15th February

I was dragged along to watch this by soccer pals: good grief what a snooze fest...like watching Rakuten play Nipponham....but worse