26 Jul 2007(Thu)

July 24, 2007: There were many positive aspects of Japan's victory over Australia, but there were some negatives, too, which Ivica Osim will be eager to rectify.

The positives included the calm, assured way in which New Japan controlled the game; how they came back to equalise quickly with a great goal from Takahara; and how they kept their concentration and discipline right to the finish.

These are all signs of a team that is mentally and physically strong, one that believes in itself and its coach.

However, the performance was not without its more frustrating moments, some of which I noted after the opening 1-1 draw with Qatar.

I still think Japan are not shooting enough when the goal is in range. One example was Nakazawa in the first half. He collected the ball deep in his own half and broke forward, and when no one came towards him he continued to break forward.

He was looking confident and determined and I was hoping he would let fly from 25-30 metres out with absolutely nothing to lose, but he seemed to doubt himself and, instead of shooting, attempted to find Takahara on the left edge of the box. The move broke down, and Nakazawa had to race back.

This was just one example, and an aspect of Japan's play that Shunsuke Nakamura has pointed out on several occasions in Hanoi. At one point in extra time, against 10 men, I thought Japan's tactics were to pass the ball so much that the Aussies would fall asleep, and then someone might actually think about scoring.

One of Maki's strengths is his ability in the air, especially at the far post (I am sure JEF fans, and the Gamba defence, will remember his prodigious leap to set up a goal for Arai at Fukuare this season). But against Australia, Japan seemed reluctant to cross the ball into the middle, and dithered too often around the box.

When Shunsuke knocked one deep, Maki did his job at the back post, Milligan did not do his in the middle, and Taka switched from right foot to left and scored another fine goal.

I think Japan need to find a balance between when to keep the ball and when to step it up and find that explosive, unpredictable element. (I am still pushing Yoshito Okubo for this role!)

But the style and identity of New Japan is set -- and Osim is well on course in his mission.

ends