Japan has 74 years to get it right
JAPAN was left heartbroken, but satisfied in the knowledge that its 100-year plan is taking shape as Asia’s last remaining World Cup hope was cruelly eliminated.
Belgium produced one of the great World Cup comebacks, with two goals in 25 minutes sealing a 3-2 win to secure a quarter-final clash with Brazil.
Japan’s technical proficiency was on show yet again, as Germany-based Genki Haraguchi and Spanish La Liga midfielder Takashi Inui produced sublime finishes.
In a snapshot of perhaps the only remaining advantages Australia has left over Japan, which topped the Socceroos in their Cup qualifying group, Belgium’s physical superiority and keeper Eiji Kawashima’s lack of presence conspired against Samurai Blue.
Substitute Marouane Fellaini rose above Japan’s stoppers to emphatically head home the equaliser before fellow sub Nacer Chadli was rewarded for a lung-busting run, though the imposing figure of Romelu Lukaka made the difference.
It was a warning shot for Australia, which must find a circuit-breaker with regards to its Socceroos production line.
Japan’s youthful and technically superb outfit caused the Red Devils havoc at stages, suggesting the only way is up for it just a quarter (26 years) into its 100-year plan.
Aimed at having 100 professional clubs and winning the World Cup by 2092, Japan’s conveyor belt of players — 12 of the 23-man squad is based in the top tiers of Germany, Spain, France and England — is only improving, with star Keisuke Honda starring in Mexico.
The J. League is regarded as Asia’s best league, while the three professional divisions now boast 57 clubs.
That was no consolation for Akira Nishino — a late preWorld Cup replacement for Vaha Halihodzic — who was visibly distraught after the loss.
“I am very devastated. Yes we took the lead but we couldn’t win,” he said.
“It might have been a very small difference but I felt there was nothing in it. Maybe it was my decisions as a coach or my tactics, and we couldn’t keep up with Belgium, who upped their game.”
Japan will battle with the Socceroos again at January’s Asian Cup. Nishino’s side has been drawn in Group F with Uzbekistan, Oman and Turkmenistan, while Australia faces Syria, Palestine and Jordan.