Adam Bailey
DeanoHarmoAsian Cup - Japan's Revenge
July 21st 2007 13:51
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A year ago in the World Cup, Australia stunned Japan with 3 late goals to take a remarkable 3-1 victory. It was a result that we celebrated long and hard, but for the Japanese it was a loss that hurt deeply; and when the two sides met again in Hanoi in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup it was a result the Japanese were keen to avenge.
Japan had the better of the first half, but it remained 0-0 at the break. But the Australians came out strongly in the second half, and at 70 minutes a corner from Harry Kewell found John Aloisi in point blank range; and it was 1-0 to the Socceroos.
But sadly the lead was to be short-lived, as within a minute the Japanese had equalised. The Australian defenders, still celebrating the goal, left Takahara unmarked and it was 1-1. And disaster struck just minutes later when Vince Grella was red-carded for a challenge on Takahara.
Down to 10 men, the Australians fought on. It was hard going, and the scoring opportunities dried up; but although Japan continued to press they could not find a winner. After 90 minutes it was still 1-1, and two periods of extra time failed to break the deadlock. And so the quarter final would come down to a penalty shootout.
Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill both stepped up; but both looked far too casual with their shots, which lacked any power and were easily saved. In contrast the Japanese had little trouble slotting home their early penalties - helped in one case by Mark Schwarzer appearing not to see the shot and not moving in any direction to attempt a save. Takahara's penalty sailed high over the net; but the final penalty went in, and with the penalty score at 4-3 it is Japan who are through to the semi-finals, while Australia's campaign is over.
It was a disappointing tournament for the Australians. The draw against Oman and the loss to Iraq cost the Socceroos top spot in the group, forcing them to play Japan earlier than they would have liked. A collection of too many yellow cards and some sloppy efforts on the field let them down badly.
It is unlikely that Australian coach Graham Arnold will be re-appointed, and the search is already on for a new Australian coach. Former Glasgow Rangers mentor Dick Advocaat is favourite, but it would be an attractive position for an aspiring national coach.
Japan 1 (Naohiro Takahara 72) drew Australia 1 (John Aloisi 70).
Japan wins 4-3 on penalties.
Pic from AFCAsianCup.com
Japan had the better of the first half, but it remained 0-0 at the break. But the Australians came out strongly in the second half, and at 70 minutes a corner from Harry Kewell found John Aloisi in point blank range; and it was 1-0 to the Socceroos.
But sadly the lead was to be short-lived, as within a minute the Japanese had equalised. The Australian defenders, still celebrating the goal, left Takahara unmarked and it was 1-1. And disaster struck just minutes later when Vince Grella was red-carded for a challenge on Takahara.
Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill both stepped up; but both looked far too casual with their shots, which lacked any power and were easily saved. In contrast the Japanese had little trouble slotting home their early penalties - helped in one case by Mark Schwarzer appearing not to see the shot and not moving in any direction to attempt a save. Takahara's penalty sailed high over the net; but the final penalty went in, and with the penalty score at 4-3 it is Japan who are through to the semi-finals, while Australia's campaign is over.
It is unlikely that Australian coach Graham Arnold will be re-appointed, and the search is already on for a new Australian coach. Former Glasgow Rangers mentor Dick Advocaat is favourite, but it would be an attractive position for an aspiring national coach.
Japan 1 (Naohiro Takahara 72) drew Australia 1 (John Aloisi 70).
Japan wins 4-3 on penalties.
Pic from AFCAsianCup.com
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