Paraguay were the better team in the first half with Japan sticking to their defensive, pressing game. The Japanese did start to come out and play in characteristic short, sharp attacks during the second half. As the game went on it looked like neither team was relishing the idea of Extra Time/Penalties as both side were positive but chances were at a premium.
The Blue Samurai looked the more likely team to score in Extra Time but ultimately went out after a strong display of penalties form their South American opponents. They can hold their heads high though as their fervourant woprk-rate and determination certainly added soemthing to the tournament.
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Portugal in recent years have always been disappointing at major tournaments, playing cagey, negative football and offering little cuting edge upfront. Today was no different.
They succeeded in suffocating the "ticky-tacky" of the Spaniards in the first half but when Spain's quality shone through with an incisive passing move early in the sec
No comments:
Post a Comment