Cruel loss as Japan fall short
JAPAN were left heartbroken, but sound in the knowledge that their 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, who topped the Socceroos in their World 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.
It was a warning shot for Australia, who must find a circuit-breaker with regards to their Socceroos production line.
Japan’s youthful and technically superb outfit caused the Red Devils havoc at stages, suggesting the only way is up for them just a quarter (26 years) into their 100-year plan.
Aimed at having 100 professional clubs and winning the World Cup by 2092, 12 of Japan’s 23-man squad is based in the top tiers of Germany, Spain, France and England.