11 Oct 2004(Mon)

If Oman think they have home advantage against Japan on Wednesday, they had better think again.

On paper, of course, Oman do have home advantage, as the game is being played in their beautiful capital Muscat.

But this doesn't mean Japan will be nervous and afraid to play attacking football because they are the visiting team.

According to Japan's captain, "Kaiser Tsune," Japan actually play better away from home.

This may sound like a strange statement, considering the fantastic support Japan attract for home games.

But Tsune feels that this puts pressure on the players, as the fans are expecting "beautiful" football, non-stop attacking and, of course, goals galore.

And it just can't happen every time.

Look at the home game against Oman on February 18 at Saitama.

Japan huffed and puffed with little momentum or rhythm, and were extremely fortunate to win 1-0 with a goal three minutes into injury time by Kubo.

The ball, remember, bounced around the edge of the Oman penalty area like a pachinko machine, and Kubo hit the jackpot.

Away from home, Tsune says, Japan can relax more, play more patient football and not feel like they have to launch an all-out assault as soon as they get the ball.

The evidence is clear when Japan play in Europe, and also at the Asian Cup in China.

This is why I feel Oman will be more nervous than Japan on Wednesday night.

After all, if Japan score first, I believe the game will be over, as Oman would then need two against a team which has beaten them 1-0 in Saitama and 1-0 in China this year. In other words, two games played and no goals scored against Japan.

I think it will be Oman who will be on the defensive in the first half, making sure that Japan don't score. Only maybe in the last 30 minutes will Oman go looking for the first goal.

This will be perfect for Japan.

They will be able to play calmly, keep the ball, attack at the right time and, through Takayuki, win a free kick on the edge of the Oman penalty area.

Shunsuke steps up with his magical left foot and it's 1-0 Japan!

Honestly I cannot see Japan losing in Muscat.

Captain Tsune is right. Japan do look more in control away from home, putting all the pressure on the home team Wednesday night.

Maybe my game scenario is not quite accurate, but I predict a 0-0 or maybe 1-1 scoreline, booking Japan safe passage into the next round.

ends