The rematch Judi Online: Japan vs Australia
Former Liverpool midfielder Craig Johnston claimed it was potentially "one of the great rivalries in Asian football." Japan defender Yuji Nakazawa predicted a 3-0 win for his side and told reporters "we can't lose twice." Australia and Japan fans have been poring over the minutia of every comment made by player or reporter alike - eager to highlight the flaws, desperate to imagine an advantage. Make no mistake, the quarter-final clash between Japan and Australia at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi is one of the most anticipated of this year's Asian Cup.
Ever since Australia beat Japan 3-1 at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in
Germany, the Blue Samurai have been dreaming of a rematch. They were granted
that wish somewhat earlier than anticipated, with Australia's second-place
finish in their Asian Cup group ensuring a quarter-final showdown against their
old foes. Japan arguably go into this match in better form.
Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Naohiro Takahara leads the
goal-scoring charts with three goals, along with Uzbekistan's Maxim Shatskikh
and Mark Viduka of Australia. Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura has played with
quiet efficiency without having dazzled at the tournament so far - although he
looks more than capable of doing so on the big stage. Gamba Osaka midfielder
Yasuhito Endo and Sanfrecce Hiroshima wing-back Yuichi Komano have provided
important contributions, while the much-malgined Seiichiro Maki has also
chipped in with goals.
In the tall and powerful Maki, Japan may just have an advantage
that bucks all of the stereotypes. The JEF United striker has been heavily
criticised for his lack of goals in the J-League, but with accurate crosses
flowing in from the likes of Nakamura and Komano, the target-man suddenly looks
capable of testing international defences.
While Australia have in the past been praised for their robust
defences, they have recently looked anything but solid at the back. Leicester
City stopper Patrick Kisnorbo appeared to be out of his depth in the opening
two fixtures, whilst West Ham defender Lucas Neill was sent off late in the
match against Iraq. Michael Beauchamp and Mark Milligan stepped in for the
clash with Thailand - with the latter's superb performance providing a
selection headache for coach Graham Arnold.
Milligan is a quick and agile Judi Online player, with a knack for reading the game. What he
lacks is physical presence - something that Seiichiro Maki has in spades, and
if Japan coach Ivica Osim can coax some more aggression out of his lanky
forward, then Japan might have an unexpected aerial advantage over their
opponents.
Nevertheless the Blue Samurai are not without their problems. Urawa
Reds defensive midfielder Yuki Abe has looked shaky in a central defensive role
alongside Yuji Nakazawa, and it was Abe who committed a late foul that saw
Japan concede an equaliser in their opening 1-1 draw with Qatar. Akira Kaji has
been dreadful at the back, so much so that there is conjecture about his place
in the team.
There has also been a conspicuous absence of any meaningful
contribution from Kawasaki Frontale playmaker Kengo Nakamura, with the
diminutive midfielder seemingly overshadowed by his more illustrious namesake
in midfield. Ivica Osim, meanwhile, has attracted mirth with his increasingly
bizarre rants in his role as coach of a country renowned for its
non-confrontational attitude.
Australia are arguably the polar opposite of Japan in that
respect, and their brashness in practically declaring themselves pre-tournament
favourites served to heap pressure on them when they stumbled in the group
stage. They'll require no further motivation for this clash, however, with the
Australian team constantly needled by suggestions - whether real or imagined,
that they are an overly physical team.
They were incensed when Japan opened the scoring in
Kaiserslautern just over twelve months ago, claiming that burly striker Naohiro
Takahara had fouled goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in the build up to Japan's goal.
The Socceroos will hope that Kuwaiti referee Saad Kameel Al Fadhli keeps a firm
grip on this potentially explosive encounter, even if their bustling style
draws attention from the man in black.
Australia's hero in Kaiserslautern was Everton midfielder Tim
Cahill, who came off the bench to score twice in the dying minutes and propel
Australia to that famous 3-1 victory. Cahill is unlikely to start against Japan
in Hanoi, having only just returned from a long injury layoff.
There is also concern over the form of injury-plagued Liverpool
midfielder Harry Kewell. The wing wizard came off the bench and scored a
virtuoso goal in the 4-0 win over Thailand, but the Australians can ill afford
to start slowly against Japan, with the two-time defending champions having
played arguably the most up-tempo football of any team in the tournament.
Kewell may be required from the start, and he will certainly need to fire.
Thus a fascinating duel between these two regional rivals awaits,
with the winner to face either Saudi Arabia or Uzbekistan in the semi-final.
The loser will go home with their ambition unfulfilled, with Japan chasing a
third straight continental crown, whilst Australia earlier claimed that anything
less than a place in the final would be viewed as a failure.
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