So South Korea beat Australia 3-0 and Japan 2-0. And they are ranked third in Asia.

Friendlies = typos

Yep. Okada is an idiot.

Today it was reported that he offered his resignation to the JFA. Then he turned around and claimed it was only 'a joke.' Yeah right, I'll bet my left nut Okada really did offer his resignation and the JFA were so outraged by Okada offering his resignation so close to the tournament that they told him to say it was only a 'joke' to the media. What a stupid man Okada is. He's driving the blue samarai into the ground.

He's obviously Japan's version of Craig Foster or Frank Farina.

Now Japan have zero confidence going in against Denmark, Cameroon and the Netherlands.

Hmm I thought Troussier may mention the also 'stupid' ambitions that have been openly stated by both the coach AND players of making the final 4 at the World Cup - Which ofcourse you can never rule these things out entirely, but the prospects of 'this' present Japanese side, especially in their 'present form,' achieving that, are even lower than usual!

I can only see such stated goals/over ambitious ambitions as backfiring or having a negative effect on the team, further increasing pressure on the players aswell as coach, not only from without - the media and fans lapping up those expectations, not only from the JFA, but also from within their squad, as surely the squad will start to see internal rumblings, especially from their stars, when things do not go so well. Though it should hardly be surprising given their form in the lead up.

Sheesh very few sides of such status, including us ofcourse, have been that silly, foolhardy to be putting such pressure on themselves - Even a few of the bigger sides, who you could expect to be aiming for such a goal, are hardly making such bold statements.

Wisdom dictates not to pre-empt oneself like this, so hence inpart why pro footballers bore us with the 'one match at a time' stuff, because quite simply, it's truly the wiser approach.

BTW That reminds me - Socceroossupporter, you say he's like Frank Farina, I say he may be more like Graham Arnold - See how Arnold was making bold statements about getting a medal at Beijing, DESPITE the Olyroos' tough group - Well we saw how that turned out. But to be fair, I think the FFA, as in Buckley and co, were saying that as much as Arnold was. But Arnold hardly dampened those flames.

Hmmm maybe that's the same for Okada and co - It could've been a directive of the JFA, so they were simply conveying that top down directive. But still, I can't see it helping their cause much, just, if anything, the opposite, especially when things go bad.

But maybe it's the JFA's way of making sure that, if Okada does not meet such targets, that he agrees to leave his post, post World Cup. The 'honourable' way of 'falling on one's sword,' after one failing their purpose.

Here's an article about Okada and co's controversial goals - Lol This article is from today aswell - So they are STILL sprouting that stupid idea:



Either it's 'how brave,' or 'how embarrassing.' Atleast they 'stick to their guns,' if you can call them, 'guns.'

Edited by GloryPerth: 27/5/2010 01:45:49 AM

Meanwhile did anyone see Kawasaki's Jong Tae-se's goals for Greece? WOW!
I bet Japan would love to have him upfront now.

Yes. They were both terrific and were evidence of really good technique, as were a couple of his other shots that were saved. And I agree, on that performance he is well above anything that Japan showed against Korea.

What an awesome analogy. Was I the only one who laughed at this?

He is a gun, and I dont think that the big guns in their group should dismiss Nth Korea as a threat. Japan in a world of trouble and their record is pretty average in the World Cup apart from at home.