3 things we learned from Belgium’s riveting win over Japan
2. Japan’s late game naivety cost them
Japan were outstanding. It is really difficult to criticise them.
Nobody gave them much of a chance versus an imperious-looking Belgium, so when Takashi Inui drilled home a sumptuous second, it came as one of the biggest shocks in a World Cup full of them.
But the Japanese needed essential game management at that point. They lacked it sorely, and ultimately they paid the ultimate price.
Belgium merited their astounding turnaround. However Japan could have made it a more arduous task.
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The Asians, who have marvelled the world with their fleeting attacking play, were reluctant to sit back and defend their advantage.
Teams like Russia, Iran and Spain have been lambasted for their defensive, pragmatic strategy after taking the lead.
Although people can’t argue that, when needed, it worked.
Japan required stability and tactical astuteness when they were ahead, which unfortunately they didn’t have.
And the most alarming circumstance was in the final moments of the match.
Japan sent a number of players up for their last corner, and it was curled straight into the palms of Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium were able to blitz forward from there, and Japan were left with minimal numbers at the back. The move resulted in the decisive goal.
You feel that they would have been able to force extra time – no less than what they deserved – if they had some discernment in the crucial stages of a thrilling encounter.
Belgium capitalised on their lack of experience. That is the single criticism of Japan who were otherwise magnificent.