Game 1: Columbia 1-2 Japan
I have been enjoying the World Cup this year, and have been able to watch most of the games but, of course, when it comes to Group H the first two games are on while I’m at work. Luckily it just so happened that B was at work with me and got this game up on her laptop, so I was able to keep an eye on it to some extent, and she was keeping me updated when I couldn’t look at the screen.
B called out the teams and was impressed with Caudrado’s “cool hair”., and we were both surprised that James Rodríguez was on the bench for Colombia, and, although not a surprise it was good to see Yoshida lining up for Japan.
The first excitement came before the clock had ticked past the three minute mark; Osako's shot was saved by Ospina only for Carlos Sanchez to become the first player sent off at this year’s tournament for handling Shinji Kagawa’s follow up shot.
Kagawa then slotted the penalty home, helped by Ospina diving to his right early, as the ball was almost passied into the net straight down the middle.
Japan continued to look lively and were the better team with Takashi Inui and Yuya Osako going close to increasing the lead.
Despite plying all but the first couple of minutes with ten men, Colombia managed to equalise in the 39th minute. Juan Quintero fired a free kick low as the defensive wall all jumped and the ball went in down near the post; Japan keeper Kawashima grabbed the ball back from behind the line but despite his protests it was obvious the the ball had crossed the line. TV coverage showed us the goal line technology conformation, but no one watching needed that.
Japan hadn’t made their numerical advantage count and the half finished all square.
A busy afternoon meant I wasn’t able to watch any of the second half and had to reply on B’s updates. There weren’t many, so I guess the second half was not all that captivating.
Early in the half Rodríguez came on to replace Quintero but it was Japan who regained the lead when Osako headed in from Keisuke Honda's corner in the 73rd minute.
Japan were making their extra man count and dominating possession, but late on Rodríguez smashed a shot from inside the box, but it was deflected over the bar by Osako. That was it, the game ended 2-1, and although it wasn't the greatest game, it was nice to see Yoshida start the World Cup with three points.
B called out the teams and was impressed with Caudrado’s “cool hair”., and we were both surprised that James Rodríguez was on the bench for Colombia, and, although not a surprise it was good to see Yoshida lining up for Japan.
The first excitement came before the clock had ticked past the three minute mark; Osako's shot was saved by Ospina only for Carlos Sanchez to become the first player sent off at this year’s tournament for handling Shinji Kagawa’s follow up shot.
Kagawa then slotted the penalty home, helped by Ospina diving to his right early, as the ball was almost passied into the net straight down the middle.
Japan continued to look lively and were the better team with Takashi Inui and Yuya Osako going close to increasing the lead.
Despite plying all but the first couple of minutes with ten men, Colombia managed to equalise in the 39th minute. Juan Quintero fired a free kick low as the defensive wall all jumped and the ball went in down near the post; Japan keeper Kawashima grabbed the ball back from behind the line but despite his protests it was obvious the the ball had crossed the line. TV coverage showed us the goal line technology conformation, but no one watching needed that.
Japan hadn’t made their numerical advantage count and the half finished all square.
A busy afternoon meant I wasn’t able to watch any of the second half and had to reply on B’s updates. There weren’t many, so I guess the second half was not all that captivating.
Early in the half Rodríguez came on to replace Quintero but it was Japan who regained the lead when Osako headed in from Keisuke Honda's corner in the 73rd minute.
Japan were making their extra man count and dominating possession, but late on Rodríguez smashed a shot from inside the box, but it was deflected over the bar by Osako. That was it, the game ended 2-1, and although it wasn't the greatest game, it was nice to see Yoshida start the World Cup with three points.
