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This afternoon’s match could best be described as a one-sided game, as the Dutch completely over ran their Japanese counterparts in all departments of the game, getting 71% of ball possession as against their opponents’ 29%. In the 6th minute Robin Van Persie was tripped from behind, and as he went down, he tumbled in the process and hit Komano’s throat with his boot. In the 10th minute, Kuyt’s bicycle kick was blocked in the 6 yard box. In the 36th minute, Van Der Wiel received the only yellow card of the match for his infringement on Daisuke Matsui.
In the 37th minute, Marcus Tulio Tanaka’s header hit the side of the net, and in the 38th minute Daisuke Matsui’s shot was caught by the goal keeper. The first half ended without much impact from Takeshi Okada’s boys. The game was clearly dominated by the Dutch players, who dribbled and held on to the ball for the greater part of the game, losing possession only occasionally to Japan.
The Japanese improved slightly on their ball possession on resuming the second half (from 29% to 39%). However, they were able to checkmate the Dutch players and made sure they did not concede more than a goal. Van Persie’s header was caught by goal keeper Eiji Kawashima in the 48th minute. Nevertheless, the only goal of the game was scored by Wesley Sneijder in the 53rd minute, with his volley from the edge of the 18 yard box beating the goal keeper hands down.
The Japanese made their first substitution in the 64th minute; Shunsuke Nakamura was brought in to replace Daisuke Matsui. Shirinji Okazaki also replaced Makoto in the 77th minute. Ejero Elia replaced Rafael Van Der Vaart and Ibrahim Afellay replaced Wesley Sneijder in the 72nd and 82nd minutes respectively.
Wesley Sneijder got voted as the ‘Man of the Match’. The officiating was fair as the centre referee, Hector Baldassi of Argentina, awarded only a yellow card throughout the encounter. Coach Bert Van Marwijk was visibly happy for the success of his lads.
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