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Post by c4ndlelight on Aug 5, 2023 13:40:28 GMT -5
Japan is so impressive. I don't think I've ever *wanted* a non-U.S. team to win as much as I want to reward Japan for their skill and cohesion. I am also just so impressed by their organization and teamwork.
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Post by donut on Aug 5, 2023 14:29:15 GMT -5
When so many teams are plagued by cohesion issues this year, Japan truly is a fresh breath of air.
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Post by mervinswerved on Aug 5, 2023 14:56:45 GMT -5
When so many teams are plagued by cohesion issues this year, Japan truly is a fresh breath of air. Yes, they look more like a club side than a national team.
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Post by Mocha on Aug 5, 2023 15:41:10 GMT -5
I just rewatched it, the look on #11 for Switzerland at 0:25 says, “WTF just happened?” 😂
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zarsta
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Post by zarsta on Aug 5, 2023 18:38:33 GMT -5
More on Spain vs Switzerland yesterday...was perfect playing weather (especially after we've had hail twice in the the last week or so), and 5pm kick off time meant the cold was only setting in at the finish. Fantastic crowd - again broke the record for NZ attendance. The woman next to me was a Swiss fan and complained through the whole match about their poor passing and lack of attack. I did expect a Spain win and lopsided score, but didn't think we'd have three goals in only 17 minutes - including a howler of an own goal. Switzerland rely on their defense and are very low scoring and were simply overwhelmed by Spain. Bonmati was magic on the ball and at no point did it feel like Switzerland were a threat to get back in the game.
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Post by zarsta on Aug 5, 2023 20:11:59 GMT -5
Watched Japan vs Norway when I got home from the other match. In addition to what everyone else said about skill and cohesion, what has also really impressed me is the ability to adapt to the team they're playing. Against Spain they let Spain have the majority of the possession and played masterful counter attacking football. Norway really tried to crowd the box (playing what was essentially 5 back most of the time) and Japan had majority of the possession this time. Japan also has really nailed the perfectly weighted through ball, and strikers like Miyazawa have been so cool and calm on the final touch. Have to say I am absolutely thrilled their QF match is in Auckland and I'll finally get to see them play in person!
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Post by mervinswerved on Aug 5, 2023 20:37:28 GMT -5
Watched Japan vs Norway when I got home from the other match. In addition to what everyone else said about skill and cohesion, what has also really impressed me is the ability to adapt to the team they're playing. Against Spain they let Spain have the majority of the possession and played masterful counter attacking football. Norway really tried to crowd the box (playing what was essentially 5 back most of the time) and Japan had majority of the possession this time. Japan also has really nailed the perfectly weighted through ball, and strikers like Miyazawa have been so cool and calm on the final touch. Have to say I am absolutely thrilled their QF match is in Auckland and I'll finally get to see them play in person! The Auckland CBD adidas store had Japan shirts (both home and away) when we stopped in.
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zarsta
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Post by zarsta on Aug 5, 2023 20:40:03 GMT -5
Watched Japan vs Norway when I got home from the other match. In addition to what everyone else said about skill and cohesion, what has also really impressed me is the ability to adapt to the team they're playing. Against Spain they let Spain have the majority of the possession and played masterful counter attacking football. Norway really tried to crowd the box (playing what was essentially 5 back most of the time) and Japan had majority of the possession this time. Japan also has really nailed the perfectly weighted through ball, and strikers like Miyazawa have been so cool and calm on the final touch. Have to say I am absolutely thrilled their QF match is in Auckland and I'll finally get to see them play in person! The Auckland CBD adidas store had Japan shirts (both home and away) when we stopped in. Love their purple away jerseys they wore last night.
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Post by zarsta on Aug 5, 2023 20:42:40 GMT -5
Also, can't believe I forgot to mention the massive save by the Japanese GK at the end of the game when Norway were really pressing. Amazing footwork to get herself in the right position to make that, so impressive.
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Post by bbg95 on Aug 5, 2023 21:12:12 GMT -5
South Africa needed a great save to keep the match scoreless, but the Netherlands scored on the ensuing corner anyway. 1-0.
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Post by c4ndlelight on Aug 5, 2023 22:30:57 GMT -5
You can tell Holland still hasn't adjusted to the loss of Miedema. They're missing the link between having potentially dangerous attacks and generating real chances.
South Africa arguably looked better against Holland in the first half than we did.
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Post by zarsta on Aug 5, 2023 22:32:40 GMT -5
Oh .... really feel for Swart there. She's actually had a good match. Ouch.
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Post by zarsta on Aug 5, 2023 22:37:22 GMT -5
You can tell Holland still hasn't adjusted to the loss of Miedema. They're missing the link between having potentially dangerous attacks and generating real chances. South Africa arguably looked better against Holland in the first half than we did. And now, assuming they win, van de Donk will miss the next match after that yellow.
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Post by bbg95 on Aug 5, 2023 22:52:57 GMT -5
The Dutch keeper has been excellent.
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Post by bbg95 on Aug 5, 2023 23:00:25 GMT -5
The Netherlands moves on with a 2-0 victory. Pretty fun match to watch with quite a few shots, including 13 on goal.
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