Next Day's Games

Final

Germany 1-0 (ET) Argentina (Gotze 113')

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Game 39 Recap: Japan 1-4 Colombia

JAPAN 1-4 COLOMBIA

If teams were still questioning Colombia's brilliance in this tournament, this should put those questions to bed. Colombia scored 3 second-half goals and overwhelmed a Japanese defensive line, despite resting 7 starters to open this match.

It was a tremendous performance from Colombia, clinching top spot in Group C and sending them through as the 5th South American team to make the knockout round.

Needing a win in order to have any hope of joining Colombia in the knockout round, Japan came flying out of the gate. Yoshito Okubo had the early chance for Japan, turning around his defender in the Colombia penalty area but unable to get a clear shot off as the ball stuck in his feet. Atsuto Uchida and Shinji Kagawa joined the shooting party and it appeared Colombia may have made a mistake resting so many players.

A long ball downfield put those fears to rest though. Struggling with the speed of striker Jackson Martinez, Yasuyuki Konno was only able to foul him in the Japanese penalty area, winning a penalty kick for Colombia and Konno a yellow card for his trouble. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado calmly buried the penalty for a 1-0 Colombia lead.

Japan continued the pressure though with Kagawa and Honda primarily leading the way from the midfield. Just before the break, Japan found the equalizer they were searching for. Left with space on the wing to operate, Keisuke Honda smartly beat his defender and laid on a perfect cross to Shinji Okazaki who headed the ball home for the 1-1 halftime draw.

Any momentum Japan hoped to carry out of the break was quickly extinguished though. Halftime substitute James Rodriguez provided an immediate influx of speed and passing in to the Colombian lineup that had Japan on their heels from the restart. Desperately defending, Japan could not hold on to the scoreline. Quick passing from Colombia led to Martinez with a free opportunity from insie the area and Martinez made no mistake giving Colombia the 2-1 lead.

Okubo would find himself in a scoring position a few times in the half for Japan but despite constant pressure and possession in the Colombia half, Japan could muster little at goal and paid the price for their attacking play in the 82nd minute. It was Martinez again who had the ball played long to him. Martinez held the ball up long enough to beat his defender before sending a curling shot past Eiji Kawashima in to the far post.

Eager to score in his 3rd straight World Cup match, Rodriguez finished off the game with an 89th minute goal. Rodriguez's dribbling nearly put the Japanese defender on the ground before chipping the ball over Kawashima for one of the highlight reel goals in this tournament.

A great move by Colombia late as well who substituted Faryd Mondragon for goalkeeper David Ospina late in the match. At 43 years old, Mondragon became the oldest player to ever participate in a World Cup match. Mondragon was a member of Colombia's World Cup squad in 1994.

Goals

Japan: Shinji Okazaki (45+1')
Colombia: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (17'), Jackson Martinez (55', 82'), James Rodriguez (89')

Discipline

Japan: Yasuyuki Konno (Yellow 15')
Colombia: Fredy Guarin (Yellow 63')

Man of the Match

Jackson Martinez was named Man of the Match after his second-half brace put the game out of reach for Colombia. Honourable mention to James Rodriguez who again had a huge impact, this time off the bench notching a goal and an assist in just a half of work.

Key Moment

Tied at 1 in the halftime break after a very late Shinji Okazaki goal, Colombia inserted James Rodriguez on to the field to start the second half and the difference for Colombia was immediate. Calm and organized on the attack, it was all Colombia going forward from then on and it was not a matter of whether or not they would win but by how many.

What we learned from Japan

I was concerned with their defensive ability to handle Colombia's speed and that was absolutely justified. Pushed high up the field to get the necessary win and could not respond to Colombia counter-attacks or long balls over the top. Were competent offensively and had a number of chances go awry. Part of the defensive problem was the situation and having to beat a very good Colombian team. Still need to work on awareness in the back end though.

What we learned from Colombia

Forget Best Young Player of the tournament, James Rodriguez may be the best player period at this World Cup. The difference in Colombia's play was immediately noticeable when he came on at halftime and his late goal was just a ridiculous piece of skill. Colombia have no glaring weaknesses and star players playing at a high level. That's a sure-fire recipe to go deep in the tournament.

Going Forward 

Soul-searching time for Japan, who have some players towards the end of their career and some obvious holes to fill. Next up for them is the 2015 Asian Cup.

Colombia advance to what may be one of the most dangerous quarters of the bracket I have ever seen in a World Cup. Colombia have Uruguay in the Round of 16 with a date against Brazil or Chile in the quarterfinals. Colombia walloped some relatively weak competition in this group, now they'll have to prove they can do the same against some familiar foes from CONMEBOL.

No comments:

Post a Comment