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Hi steemians
Back in the 2018 world cup, today the Japanese national team will play against polish in group H. japan is the only one left representative of asia, and for football lovers all over asia, let's support japan in today's game.
There are many scenarios that can lead Japan to qualify for the third round of the 2018 World Cup. In fact, Coach Akira Nishino is targeting to top Group H.
The match with the world's best eighth team, Poland, at Volgograd Arena, tonight, Nishino realizes it will be a very tough game. Japan's chances of entering the last 16 are dependent on the outcome of the match and the match between Senegal and Colombia. Currently Japan are top of Group H with four points, just like Senegal. Both teams are one point adrift with Colombia.
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"We intend to maintain this position until the final round of qualifying," said Nishino, quoted japantimes.co.jp. Japan can get away from the group phase with a win or a draw, even losing even if Colombia is held to a draw or bowed by Senegal.
However, Nishino's foster children who beat Colombia 2-1 in the opening match hoping to pick three points. If Japan succeeds in getting at least one point against Poland, the 61st best team in the world will set a new record, which has never lost to the group phase for the second time at the World Cup. The Blue Samurai team once reached a similar record at the 2002 World Cup. Japan's ambition to top Group H could still be stolen by Colombia if Senegal loses at Samara Stadium. If Japan and Senegal have the same points, goal difference and number of goals, the runner-up position will be awarded to the team with the lowest number of red or yellow cards. The Japanese performance in Russia is very impressive.
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They were able to beat Colombia who only played with 10 players. The Blue Samurai team also showed high determination by rising twice from Senegal's lead. Keisuke Honda became the new hero of Japan. In contrast, Poland became one of the most disappointing teams, despite the support of famous striker Robert Lewandowski. In the last two defeats, Adam Nawalka's foster children are only able to score a goal. They are not possible to qualify for the next round. Poland has high hopes after winning eight wins from 10 World Cup qualifying matches. The media called Polish courtiers only good for commercial. Some of his fans sold match tickets in Volgograd at a high discount.
Nawalka is in charge of Poland's poor performance. However, he repeatedly defended the Polish players, even after losing 0-3 to Colombia. "We have to stay firm and tough. Japan will be a strong opponent. I can see it from their performance, "he said.
Although Poland appear disappointing, Japan deserves to be cautioned. In the last two appearances at the World Cup (2002, 2006), Poland also lost in two opening matches. However, they managed to reap a satisfying result in the last game counter United States and Costa Rica. If Japan passes to the next round, they will fight Belgium or England. Honda veteran said his team did not want to repeat bad memories at the 2014 World Cup. At that time Japan had to return from the group stage because it was too weak.
"I think we have been preparing to get up at this World Cup after the 2014 World Cup. We are trying to score results that I think are not too bad in the last two games. I was impressed with Nishino's understanding, "said the 32-year-old.
According to Honda, even though Japan avenged a painful defeat in 2014 over Colombia with victory in Russia, the Japanese appearance was not good at the Mordovia Arena. So far the best Japanese player is against Senegal. Their game scheme is very effective.
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