I want to know in what way it would be considered "choking" on Japan's part. They were a side the barely made it into the knockout round going up against arguably the best team in the tournament. Belgium clearly wasn't playing until the 60th minute - anyone who watched that game with an objective eye could see Belgium didn't take Japan seriously, and was playing lazily. Japan didn't choke - they just couldn't hold off Goliath for 35 more minutes. Did they give up a 2 goal lead? Sure. But they didn't earn it in the first place. It's not like they played any more poorly down the stretch - Belgium just realized they'd have to show up to win.
Well, when you're up 2-0 in soccer with less than half the game left, usually you finish off with the win. Maybe japan couldn't believe they were up and started to play nervous.
Belgium is my team for this tourney. I'm half Dutch, half Polish - Netherlands didn't make it, Poland might as well have not qualified. Belgium is the only country I've been to still in the tournament, so...
I question whether or not we watched the same game. Japan's play didn't change at all - that's the point. Belgium wasn't playing for the first 60 minutes. Japan didn't choke because the game was never theirs to take. Belgium dictated who won or lost that game, not Japan. With the way Belgium played for most of the game, you could have substituted most lower-tier teams and they would've scored at least two. Japan was thoroughly overmatched - the game was never theirs to choke away. Belgium just realized they'd actually have to play to win.
Their beer is nothing short of sensational. And a really good black comedy was filmed there - In Brugge.
My condolences. Best wishes and all health to everyone. Belgium was flat for the first 60 minutes. Watch Japan's two goals, right out of the half. The first, defense was caught playing up and flat-footed, and underestimated Japan's speed. The second, you watch at least 6 Belgium defenders standing completely still - no one closing on the ballcarrier. I would give odds that anyone on these boards could've scored on that shot. Japan wasn't winning - Belgium was giving it away.
My guess is they won't be flat-footed against Brazil. If THAT game doesn't get your competitive fires stoked...
I think Belgium is the superior side when they're playing, but... this game didn't engender a ton of confidence. You would like to think they'll be fired up for Brazil. We'll see...
Japan didn't choke. Belgium just woke up with some great play (although the counter attack D at the end could have been better.) Japan today would have beaten Brazil.
Me: Belgium Croatia #2 Switzerland Russia #3 ELIMINATED #4 Brazil Uruguay Sweden #5 England Colombia #6 France
Now, for the first time since 1990 England are joint third favourite to lift the trophy, with Oddschecker showing they are tied with Croatia at 6-1 and behind only Brazil and France who are both at 4-1.
