A shame for Japan to lose it so late but they didn’t play anywhere near as well as they can, even considering the opposition. Didn’t commit to their usual approach. An old-fashioned “showed them too much respect”, for me. Very unlucky to get this tie in the R32, of course.
I know it’s difficult, but Japan became far too passive in this second half. Why gravitate away from what was working?
That block was so proactive in the first. A 180 from what they’ve shown this half.
Japan went all defensive too early. Had Brazil on the ropes and Paqueta was out there injured and they decided to only defend the one goal lead. You can’t be cowardly. The football gods will punish you.