Netherlands 3 - Japan 0

They say that football is a game of two halves. For Japan, you could that its a game of thirds. Once again, in a match that Japan mainly controlled for the first hour of play, conceded 3 goals in the last half hour.

If anyone recorded the match to view later, go ahead and fast forward to the 62nd minute and start watching from there. To sum up the first hour, Japan looked like the stronger, fitter team, and kept the FIFA Ranked #3 Oranje on their toes with fast, fluid, attacking play. Still, Japan lacked the cutting edge and never really tested the Dutch keepers Michel Vorm and substitute Piet Velthuizen. The Oranje fans, losing interest and wet from torrential rain, began filing out of Arke Stadium, and by the first hour the stadium was half-full (or half-empty for you pessimists out there). For me, I just had this feeling that the outcome couldn't end 0-0, and that the Dutch monster was just waiting for a jolt of electricity to come alive.

So fast forward to minute 62. A foul on the outskirts of the Ducth box left Japan to ponder who the free-kick taker would be. My heart was pumping as Yasuhito Endo, Keisuke Honda, and Shunsuke Nakamura stood over the ball. Not many teams are as blessed as Japan in having 3 prolific dead ball goal scorers. The way in which the 3 hovered made me suspect that they would try a couple fake run-overs. Who would take it? The players themselves couldn't decide and Nakamura was handed a yellow card for delaying.

When play finally resumed, I suppose there never was much question as to who the taker would be. Nakamura is one of the best free-kick takers in the world, and Japan is Naka's team. In trademark Naka fashion, the kick took a wicked curl around the wall and was headed for net before Velthuizen made a magnificent diving save to push the ball wide. That was the closest Japan would come to putting a point on the board.

3 Minutes later, a dangerous incident occurred when Kengo Nakamura went flying into Velthuizen legs during a back-pass to the keeper. Velthuizen successfully cleared the ball and a full second later Kengo slid into his legs. While I commend Kengo's hustle, and he did play well, make no mistake, the slide tackle on the keeper was entirely unnecessary and dangerous; during a friendly a play like that is inexcusable. To Kengo's credit, he did walk back and apologize, clearly remorseful for the bad tackle.

After that, the remainder of the match was all about Oranje. In the 67th, Tulio cleverly stole a pass and with space and options, attempted to change sides by crossing across pitch. Epic Fail as the ball was easily stolen back and no Blue player was within 15 meters of the ball. This set up Eljero Elia on the left side, and with a nice cut back towards center, launched a bullet at Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima. I cursed Tulio for his poor decision making, but lauded Kawashima for a brilliant acrobatic save to push the ball over.

On the ensuing corner, after bouncing around the box, Elia was able to find Robin Van Persie right in front of goal; who took the ball off his chest and smashed it in to put the first goal on the board.

5 minutes later, in the 72nd, Wesley Sneijder grabbed the goal of the match by threading a needle between Yuto Nagatomo and Yuki Nakazawa from a meter out of the box. The ball bent beautifully into the top right corner of the goal and Kawashima was helpless. It was the type of shot that no goalie in the world has a chance to save; absolute class.

In the 86th minute, Elia fired a cross toward the far post and found the right boot of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The one-touch shot bounced straight into the back of the net. 3-0 Netherlands. Game over man, game over.

This match showcased everything strong and everything weak about Japan's style of play. The passing and midfield control were beautiful to watch, and I was reminded why I'm such a fan of team Japan. Every time Japan receives the ball I just think something good can happen until the last pass fails to connect. The build-up play and work rate is so entertaining from a spectator perspective, but also so frustrating that the only pass they fail to complete is the one in front of goal. The strikers looked as impotent as a WWI vet, and never threatened. The beginning 2/3 of the match I couldn't help but think that the scoreline could have been different if Takayuki Morimoto were in the game. I know I say this in every post, but we need Takayuki Morimoto.

One thing that I would like to see on Wednesday's match against Ghana: more shooting from the midfield. If our strikers can't score on talent alone, perhaps they need a lucky deflection to put away a rubbish goal. A pretty goal is worth just as much as an ugly one. Our midfielders are no strangers to scoring and can find openings from outside the box. Shoot more. Please. Just give it a try, and see what happens.

Man of the Match:

Eljero Elia (Netherlands) - Coming in for Arjen Robben at the half, Elia made his debut for the national team one to remember. He was a tear on the left flank; constantly finding open space in the defense, he was able to assist 2 goals and took a couple rips of his own. Watch out for this kid to make an impact in South Africa.

Japan's Player of the Match:
Kengo Nakamura - Playing the full 90 minutes, K. Naka looked the most match fit in a very active midfield. Besides the silly yellow card, Kengo did not make many mistakes, and ran hard all over the pitch.