Japan Will Crush Hong Kong

Hong Kong, didn't your mother ever tell you to turn off the laser lights when you're not using them?

If history is any indicator, Japan should walk all over Hong Kong like Chuck Taylors on a New York City sidewalk. Just over a month ago, Japan handed Hong Kong a spanking befit for a drunk father catching his son's hand in the cookie jar. The 6-0 win for Japan, where Shinji Okazaki recorded a hat trick, could have actually been worse as Japan squandered a few more golden scoring opportunities. What does this all mean leading up to tomorrow's AFC Cup 2011 Qualifier? Well, it means that I'm not going too much time with formation or squad predictions on this one. I will, however, predict the scoreline: 5-0 with a standard deviation of 3 goals. Yep, 3-0 if Japan plays its worst, 8-0 if Japan comes out hot and heavy.

In other news, the JFA has apparently joined the ranks of irate football nations and asked for a World Cup ban on the trumpet "fly noise" instrument, known as the vuvuzela, common in South African football matches. If you watched any of the Confederations Cup or Japan and South Africa's match a few days ago, then you know the instrument I speak of. The loud buzzing noise drowns out so much sound that players on the pitch are unable to hear each other communicate.

They say that one vuvuzela makes the noise of 1 million flies simultaneously reaching orgasm; okay I made that up.

Broadcasters hate the noise because it makes annoying television, and some football fans argue that the instrument detracts from fans' contributions to momentum as the buzzing takes a constant non-partisan stance that drowns out any chants, songs, or sounds of encouragement from the live audience's impact on the game.

Japan coach, Takeshi Okada, even went as far to make this comment, "Perhaps if (South Africa) play good football (the fans) will be quiet and watch." That's quite a dig from a team who only succeeded in attaining a goalless draw. While I understand the sentiment of the players, broadcasters, fans, and insulting coaches, its my opinion that the point of varying host nations is for the sporting community to embrace the host's sporting culture as guests. In South Africa, the vuvuzela is just how the fans roll. They shouldn't be asked to change in order to accommodate their guests.

Also, making news: Japan and Urawa Reds Center Back Marcus Tulio Tanaka has announced his intention to leave the J-League for a Middle East or European club and will "make up his mind by November 25." Good move? Bad move? More on this to follow when details become evident.

What can I say, the guy has weird hair.

Let me know, as always, what you think of Hong Kong's chances, Japan's outrage over the obnoxious fly kazoo, and/or Tulio's indecision to leave or stay in Japan. Post a comment or send me an e-mail.

Okada-san: "Perhaps if they play good football (the flies) will be quiet and watch."
Giant Fly: "Look me in the eyes and say it, douchebag!"