Just seconds into the game, the first shot on goal of the tournament was unveiled - the sender was atypical midfielder Wen Jiabao, who deftly cut into the Japanese penalty area from the side and shot without hesitation! By contrast, four days earlier against South Korea, the
national soccer team
The Selects didn't complete their only shot attempt of the game until the second half, and it was unthreatening. This was certainly a strong signal.
（"That's the way you should be.)
After suffering a 0-3 defeat in their opening match against South Korea, who else could be interested in the
national soccer team
The selectors had expectations of grabbing points against Japan? Because even against South Korea, which is not good at passing, they were almost pinned down in their own half of the field for the whole game, and against Japan, which is even more pressing, the process and the result seemed to be unpredictable. But "adjusting the formation + changing tactics" makes the
national soccer team
The look and spirit of the selected team improved significantly, and after 90 minutes of active and patient competition, not only did they draw 0-0 with the hosts, but the field was also much improved from the first match.
(War! Then fight!)
national soccer team
The selectors managed to fend off a surging Japanese attack that
Not by relying on a more solid defense than the first game, but a better offense.
In the match against South Korea, in addition to the tragic 3-goal loss, the most frustrating thing is not the score difference - the difference in strength between the two teams is much more than this score shows, it is difficult to accept is that the field is unusually embarrassing, the whole game only one barely counted as a shot on goal shot, the whole team seems to be passive, the sense of powerlessness and frustration It was excruciating. It didn't hurt much, but it was extremely insulting. Therefore, before facing Japan, Yankovic's adjustments to the team, not only in the psychological motivation of the players out of the shadow of defeat, tactical emphasis on not shrinking the defense line, dare to attack to pressure the opponent, in practice, this strategy is obviously effective.
(Braving the Guns of Fate)
That's the dialectic on the soccer field.
When facing a strong team, if you keep on defending, the more you try to defend, the more likely you are to lose your guard, while a bold attack can force opponents to distract themselves and improve the security of the defense. Compared to the first game where you could only defend in your own penalty area for most of the time.
national soccer team
The Select Team spent most of the game against Japan with both sides tangled up in the midfield, making it more difficult for the Japanese to switch from defense to offense, reducing the chances of quick counterattacks, and having to consume time and morale in inefficient positional battles that ultimately ended up being fruitless.
(Future Stars of the Gates)
this is
national soccer team
The subjective reasons why the selection team was able to draw with Japan. But the objective factors should not be ignored as well.
As Japan's participation in this year's East Asian Cup was aimed at selecting local players for the World Cup squad, Morihiro made drastic changes to the starting lineup, with 90% of the players making their debut for the national team. In the second half, he used up all five substitutions early, and the personnel changes affected the tacit understanding between the Japanese players. Especially in the second half, the Japanese team repeatedly made passing and receiving errors, unable to play fine footwork, subtle coordination and strong penetration, and created very few opportunities, although the data on the advantage, but it is difficult to break through the opponent's goal. From the point of view of the distribution of energy in the three matches, the Japanese team in the first two matches against Hong Kong and
national soccer team
The selectors held back from the game with the intention of saving their best lineup and form for the final battle in Korea.
(Spell! For the last shred of dignity)
South Korea's schedule is similar to Japan's, but more favorable and with more comfortable steps:
opening match
national soccer team
Selection of the team to send the main lineup, the next match in Hong Kong is a large-scale rotation, to the battle against Japan again focused on full strength. For Japan and South Korea two teams, the third round of direct confrontation is the real "practice" value of 90 minutes. And
national soccer team
Selection team and Hong Kong, China will focus on July 26, "China Derby". The "little brother" will be in a relaxed state of mind regardless of whether they win or lose, while the "big brother" cannot afford to lose in any case. The inside is no longer important.
national soccer team
All the ball had to defend was its last dignity.
