Among these upsets, there were good upsets, Japan and Korea.
For Korea, they are told the strongest team ever and their games were so good except Argentina. Especially, they showed superior performance against Greece.
On the other hand, Japan's first game with Cameroon was the worst game however they could ride on a wave winning this game. It was the best game in this year against Netherlands as if the matches before World Cups are just like mirage. From this match, defense could have stability and led team to good condition.
Where did weak-Japan go? Tulio is appealing but the key player of defense is surely Abe. He does not only cutting the first ball at mid-field, also he can make Japan's defense steady even they are attacked. Another key player in mid-field is Matsui. He is doing great drible and great pass, both are very effective while Okubo doing not so good.
Whatever, Honda is the man. Beside no-spin free kick, assist of Japan 3rd goal against Denmark was brilliant. He saw around well. Then his ball-keep can't be forgotten. It was theory for Japan team before to compete the ball at mid-field after opponent defender bounced back the ball from goal kick or feed ball from defender. However, Honda became forward and it became possible for Japan to keep the ball at the front because of Honda without pushing back to mid-field. Then Japan could push up as a team while Honda kept the ball. This is the biggest element in offense.
Defensive stability and Honda's ball-keep work well after rush work. I wonder how far we can go...
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