0' Match Day Two in Group C, and both teams needing points after losing their opening fixture. Japan looked the stronger in their opener, but paid heavily for momentary lapses in defense. The greek attack looking strong, but lacking the finishing touch needed to score goals as well. Both managers making changes to the starting lineup, hoping to find that perfect formula, and this should prove to be another good one.
12' The first card of the game to the Japanese captain Hasebe, for a really rather meager foul. The Greeks looking very strong on the counter attack, but generally content sitting back in defense and letting Japan try their luck. The Japanese making a few good runs in attack, and getting shots on goal, but nothing too troubling for the Greek keeper yet.
24' The pace of the game slowing down a bit. Greece still sitting back and defending, and sending the occasional counter attack forward. Japan being more deliberate with their possession, probing for the open man in space. Still getting shots on goal, and the Greeks need to shore up their defense slightly. Slight controversy already with the refereeing, as he might appear to slightly favor Japan, awarding fouls for very minor offenses. No major game changing calls yet, but you hate to see the referee have an effect on the match.
29' Japan nearly go up on a beautiful free kick from the edge of the box that tests the keeper. Unable to collect it clearly and getting lucky with the rebound, but a well struck free kick and a good save.
38' Oh my its a second yellow for the Greek Captain Katsouranis and Greece are down to ten men. It wasn't a particularly strong tackle, and perhaps a bit of controversy there. Greece playing well on the counter finding holes in the Japanese defense and midfield, and we'll see how this affects their strategy. Japan not without chances, and sending shots on goal, but unable to muster anything that would beat the keeper.
45' At the end of the half, Greece not down and out yet, as they are well coped to sit and defend and pounce on the counter. Japan playing well but lacking finishing power. Expecting more of the same in the second half, and both teams will need to find that magical touch that has eluded them thus far if they want to steal three points and live to fight another day.
60' Greece nearly going ahead despite being a man down on a header from a corner kick by Gekas. A wonderful save by the keeper. Greece still defending well, and Japan still lacking that magical touch in the final third. A draw not the end of the world for Greece, but it would send Japan out.
68' Oh my its nearly a goal for Japan, a beautiful long ball catches a run in behind defense, the cross across the face of goal and the attacking forward who is in on the far post sends it flying. What a chance, and Greece lucky Japan did not capitalize on their mistake. Still lacking that goal scoring instinct is Japan, despite plenty of opportunity. Minutes later another brilliant chance for Japan as Greece do not clear the ball well and let the ball come on to Japanese attacker.
80' And Samaras nearly delivering for Greece on a corner kick. He comes in on goal and has a bit of space as he connects with the ball, and he should have done better, at least sending it on target. Japan still playing well in midfield, and finding some threatening positions from which they're sending in dangerous crosses, but Greece holding firm and Japan still searching for the back of the net.
Final' All over here. Greece doing well to not lose the match, and keep their hopes alive. Japan have to be disappointed, and they had all kinds of chances, but simply couldn't finish. Greece doing well to defend, but unable to find goals themselves. They'll have to break that trend and at least score a few in their last match if they hope to advance. The real winners today are Colombia, who have now guaranteed their spot in the next round. Poor play, but you hope from for better, and still one last opportunity for both teams to showcase their talents.
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