Chicharito Redeems Mexican Pride

Mexico exits Brazil but with heads held high after pulling a victory against Japan. The match ended with a 2-1 score in favor of El Tri. The triumph was Mexico’s first and last in the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Jose Manuel de la Torre and his men may have struggled throughout the tournament, following two (2) consecutive wins against Italy and Brazil. Chicharito, however, redeemed the squad’s pride after nailing two (2) goals in Belo Horizonte.

Chicharito started his scoring barrage after converting a header from Andres Guardado on the 54th. Six minutes after, the Manchester United striker extended the lead upon scoring another header. It could have been a hat-trick if not for Kawashima’s great save.

Japan tried to snatch the victory. Yet, Shinji Okazaki’s goal came late for the Blue Samurais. With only four (4) minutes left in the match, time was in favor of the Mexicans.

Mexico is one of the favorites of the tournament. But their failure to clinch a single win eliminated the squad from advancing.

Prior to the Confeds Cup, Mexico has been criticized for its poor performance that pushed the squad into the third spot of the qualifiers. A cloud of doubt among spectators loomed during their entry into the said event.

However, El Tri’s striker rose to the challenge and for the last time in the tournament, gave Mexico something to be proud of. Chicharito stressed that the triumph is a great boost to their seemingly lost confidence.

Mexico and Japan both played for honor and pride’s sake. Although both teams were determined, it was the more experienced Mexico that emerged as the match victor.

This recently concluded duel was also the second time that the two teams met in the said tournament. In both matches, Mexico had the final say. 

Photo Credit: Zimbio

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Mexico vs. Japan

Date: 23 June 2013 
Venue: Belo

The verdict: Japan Redeems Pride, 3-2

Japan and Mexico have already lost their bid for the Confederations Cup trophy. Their upcoming match, however, promises a spectacle of pure and unadulterated struggle for national pride and honor.

With both teams passionate enough to prevent a disgraceful slip to the bottom, Japan exemplifies a stronger determination to redeem its fallen squad.

It is never hard to hail Mexico as favorites. It had the upper-hand during their last encounter in 2005. Yet, eight (8) years after and with their recent performance, Japan proved to be in a much better form and have a better chance of going home with heads held up high.

Throughout the tournament, El Tri had only scored once, thanks to Javier Hernandez’s penalty kick. This gives a clear picture of the squad’s declining ability to dive closer to the net and its struggling defence as well.

However, the Blue Samurais showed a different story. After failing to score against Brazil, Zaccheroni and his men subjected Italy to a down the wire battle and fired three (3) goals. Indeed, it was a match where the Italians should have never won if not for Sebastian Giovinco’s last salvo.

Mexico’s lackluster performance also gives the impression that Hernandez is the only force that Japan has to reckon with. But then again, it is another different story for the Japanese’s side. Against El Tri’s Hernandez, Zaccheroni has playmakers, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa to boot.

Japan has come a long way since the tournament started. Yet, it is also worthy to mention that the team has also improved tremendously. The adjustment has been quick. And victory is coming fast to the first team that has qualified in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Italy Goes To Confed Cup Semis

Italy secured its spot in the Confederations Cup’s semis after its heart-pounding 4-3 triumph over Japan.

Sebastian Giovinco scored the deciding goal upon converting a cross from Claudio Marchiso on the 86th minute.

The match was never an easy feat for the Azurris. Chris Prandelli and his men struggled throughout the first-half that resulted to Japan’s first two (2) goals. Keisuke Honda after a great tackle with Gianlugi Buffon, converted a penalty kick that put Japan on the lead. On the 33rd minute, Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa nailed a left-footed shot that almost sealed Italy’s fate in the match.

Japan’s Barcelona-like approach—putting pressure and keeping possession seemed to work, but only temporarily. Danielle De Rossi answered back with a header off a corner from Andrea Pirlo on the 41st minute and on the 50th, Atsuto Uchida scored his own goal.

The odds slowly shifted into the Italian side when Mario Balotelli had his chance to take part in Italy’s goal scoring rampage. More popularly known as Super Mario, Balotelli converted a penalty, thanks to Makoto Hasebe’s handball.  Balotelli’s shot handed the lead to the Azurri.

Unfortunately, the reversal of roles continued. Yasuhito Endo’s cross to Shinji Okazaki reclaimed the lead for Japan on the 69th. It could have been an early celebration, not until Giovinco scored the great upset.

Despite of the win, Prandelli acknowledged the match’s difficulty. Buffon, on the other hand, shared a similar sentiment and gave credit to Japan’s impressive performance. Buffon described the match as something that “they shouldn’t have won.”

Meanwhile, Zaccheronni admitted Italy’s scoring capabilities. Japan’s head honcho shared how their opponents’ international experience brought the squad ahead of Blue Samurais.

Italy’s will soon face Brazil to compete for the top spot on the group.




Photo Credit: Zimbio

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Italy Vs. Japan

The upcoming match between Italy and Japan proved to be an uphill battle for the Blue Samurais. After failing to score against the crowd-favorite, Brazil, Zaccheroni and his men will have to go through blood and fire as they face the rest of the Gli Azzurri in Recife this 20 June 2013.

There’s no denying that Japan is a force to reckon with in the Confederations Cup. However, the current circumstances tend to favor Italy. Once and for all, the momentum lingers at Cesar Prandelli’s side. The tournament is a preview of what the squad has to offer in the World Cup and winning over a worthy opponent brings a strong sense of pride and chemistry among the players. The only challenge in here is for Prandelli to keep the fire burning and be wary of over confidence as it was also the reason behind their 2 consecutive losses during the previous Confederations Cup. 

Meanwhile, other than the victory over Mexico, Mario Balotelli is also a powerful force that Japan must face. His right-footed shot became the match’s deciding goal. It has been said that Super Mario tends to perform better under Prandelli’s tutelage and one can expect him to display the same degree of prowess and skill when he and his team meets Japan. 

Lately, the Blue Samurais seem to experience conversion problem. The likes of Shinji Kagawa and Honda have  been having difficulties in penetrating a tough defence. And fortunately for Italy, they have the veteran Gianluigi Buffon to remain on guard and keep Japan on their toes.

Italy is the favorite pick, obviously. Even in Asian bookies, the Gli Azzurri stands as favorites with Asian handicap handed over to Japan.

 

Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Brazil Kicks-Off A 3-0 Win Over Japan In The Confederations Cup

Host nation Brazil refused to lose in its own soil as it clinched a 3-0 win against the equally aggressive Japan last 16 June 2013.

Dubbed as the Confederations Cup’s “3rd fastest goal” football prodigy, Neymar scored the first goal of the match 3 minutes after the grand kick-off. The so-called “Messi’s heir” was eventually voted as Man of the Match.

Prior to the encounter, the young player has been under the scrutiny of naysayers due to his alleged lackluster performance in previous friendlies. Neymar, however, answered his critics via converting Fred’s pass with a right-footed shot.

Although Neymar’s goal was nothing short of being spectacular, Paulinho sealed Japan’s fate. The Selecao’s defensive midfielder secured 2 important goals. The first came in the 48th minute with Dani Alves’ help.  Japan’s Eiji Kawashima attempted a diving save, but to no avail. The ball simply passed through his hands. Paulinho’s deciding goal came after converting Oscar’s pass during injury time.

In 20 of Brazil’s Confederations Cup appearance, the squad has always emerged victorious whenever they scored the first goal. As a matter of fact, it has won 18 of the above-mentioned battles, whilst the 2 ended in a draw.

This is not the first time that Japan and Brazil met in competitive football. The two had their last encounter last 2005 where the Selecaos bagged a 4-0 win against the Samurai Blue. What transpired in Brasilia seemed like a mere repetition of their previous battle.

Scolari and his men are  now looking forward to continue their 9th undefeated consecutive win.  Their next match will be against Mexico on 20 June 2013.



Photo credit: Zimbio

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Confederations Cup Match Preview: Brazil VS. Japan

Brazil To Give Japan Its First Dose Of Confederations Cup Loss

Venue: Estadio Nacional, 15 June 2013

Japan may have been the very first squad to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014.  However, there’s a question on whether they can fare well against their crowd-favorites, Brazil, during the upcoming Confederations Cup.

The Samurai Blue is a keen playmaker. With the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, the squad can pull off different maneuvers and tactics on the field that can bring tons of surprise to the Selecaos.

Japan, however, crumbles on their defence, in which Brazil can readily capitalize. The Samurai Blue knows how to protect the ball. They can penetrate the toughest defenders. Yet, the moment they lose their possession, their opponent can easily secure a swift and easy goal.

Meanwhile, there’s no question why the odds favor Brazil. First off, the squad’s defensive line-up is impressive. With veterans such as Dante, the squad is in a perfect position to secure a clean sheet.

Japan may have been known for its playmakers, but Brazil can readily counter it. The Oscar-Moura tandem are powerful duos to beat in the upcoming match. Although Kaka and Ronaldinho may be missing in action, Brazil’s big boss, Scolari has full confidence with his midfielders.

Lastly, there’s Neymar—a rising football prodigy akin to the likes of Messi. Neymar is one of the central figures to watch out for in the match. Speculations claim that the child wonder’s performance is far from being impressive. But it only takes a little dose of adjustment and slight nudge from Scolari to bring out the best out of Neymar.

Unlike Japan, the Confederations Cup is nothing new to Brazil. The squad has the experience and the talent. All it takes is a little more push and they might end up clinching the silverware.

Photo Credits: Zimbio 

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Japan: World Cup’s First Qualifying Team

After forcing a 1-1 draw against Australia, Keisuke Honda’s late penalty shot signaled Japan‘s journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, making them the first country to enter the prestigious event.

The Socceroos gained their momentum when Tommy Oar secured the first goal of the match on the 82nd minute. Eiji Kawashima tried to deflect the shot, only to find himself unsuccessful. It could have been a preview of Australia’s impending victory, but the Blue Samurais refused to be beaten in their own soil.

With just a couple of minutes before the match’s end, Matthew McKay fished hand-ball violation that sent Honda to the penalty line. Amidst the overflowing Saitama Stadium, Honda converted and secured the squad’s ticket to Brazil.

The triumph against Australia places Japan on the top spot of Asia’s qualifying Group B. Occupying the 2nd slot is Oman. Only the top 2 teams shall qualify for the World Cup. Those on the 3rd spot shall enter the play-offs. Apparently, the play-off is what Australia has to endure after the disappointing loss.

Japan is known for being one of the strongest World Cup contenders in Asia. So far, this is the country’s 5th appearance since 1998. But long before the Blue Samurais begin their World Cup campaign, their next mission is to first dominate the upcoming Confederations Cup in Brazil on 15 June. Their first match will be against the crowd favorite Brazil.

 Photo Credit: Yahoo

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