12 Jul 2007(Thu)

July 10, 2007: No wonder Ivica Osim was furious after Japan's 1-1 draw with Qatar.

I was angry, too, as I am sure many Japanese fans were around the country.

Japan, of course, should have won this game comfortably. They dominated possession and were in a different class to their opponents in terms of individual quality and big-match experience.

But without that second goal there was always a chance Qatar would come back and draw level, which is exactly what happened to ruin the night.

I was not so much annoyed with Abe for the foul that led to the goal, or for the failure to put away one of the clearcut chances that came Japan's way.

Abe was clearly waiting for Kawaguchi to come out and clear the ball, and when the keeper was not there he panicked and gave away the free kick. Abe's body language after his mistake told its own story -- that the equaliser was on its way.

As for the chances, the two that most spring to mind were Yamagishi's left-foot half-volley over the bar from Takahara's lovely header, and Hanyu's late effort that curled round the far post.

No, these were frustrating moments, but not the chief source of my anger.

I was annoyed because Japan would not shoot when the goal was in sight, notably Endo, who looked like he was aiming for the Assist King award. Japan were trying to walk the ball into the net with a series of intricate passes instead of letting fly from distance. I think they needed -- and need -- to be much more direct in their approach and play with more dynamism and aggression in the last third of the pitch.

For this reason, once again, I would play Maki alongside Takahara and sacrifice one of the midfielders -- but not Keita Suzuki, who was my man of the match.

The presence of Maki and Takahara would open up more options on the ground and in the air. If Maki is not scoring he is doing something, working hard for the team and being a constant menace to the defenders.

The result against Qatar could have been worse, but Japan will be in real trouble if they do not beat UAE on Friday the 13th.

ends