Not a great performance, but a decent result. This was probably Japan’s most difficult fixture of the round, and they were able to get out of Tashkent with a point.
Uzbekistan were the better side in the first half, rushing forward at every opportunity. Their attacking intent got them a goal in the eighth minute with a tidy finish from captain Server Djeparov. They had hit the post earlier, so the goal didn’t exactly come against the run of play.
As Football Japan points out, the poor quality of the pitch didn’t help Japan’s usually crisp short passing. Nonetheless, Japan’s first half performance wasn’t great, and though they enjoyed more possession, Uzbekistan looked the more threatening. Again, Kagawa was tightly marked and the midfield clearly missed the creativity of Honda and the width of Nagatomo. Tadanari Lee had little to work with but was unlucky not to score when he slammed a shot off the post.
The second half performance was massively improved and Japan got a deserved equalizer in the 65th minute. Okazaki scored with a diving header off a good cross from Uchida. Uzbekistan continued to look dangerous on counterattacks but Japan pinned back their opponents for most of the half. In the end, both teams got a deserved point.
Some points: Uzbekistan is a fit side. They pressed Japan from the start and were able to quickly turn defense into attack. They left massive spaces in the middle of the park with some poor marking but were able to make up for it with their speed. I thought that this wouldn’t last and that Japan would be able to pick them apart in the second half as they tired. I was wrong. Japan did outplay Uzbekistan in the second half but it was because they played better, not because their opponents tired. Uzbekistan looked dangerous on the counterattack throughout the entire match.
Tadanari Lee was visibly frustrated when he was taken off for Mike Havenaar right after the equalizer. He hit the post twice in the match and played pretty well and so he was naturally frustrated he didn’t get the goal he wanted. He still bowed to the fans after he was taken off and shook hands with Zaccheroni. He was just upset with his own performance. This is good to see and is indicative of Lee’s great desire and commitment.
Though Japan didn’t play well and struggled in an uncomfortable environment, they still could’ve won the match. Perseverance and the ability to not get frustrated as a team even when not playing well are important qualities for good teams.
Man of the Match: Kawashima was excellent for Japan. He made several great saves, including a breakaway late in the match. For Uzbekistan, talisman Djeparov got the goal but young midfielder Odil Ahmedov was the standout performer. He was excellent breaking up Japan’s midfield play and then sprinting into attack. He was praised for his displays in the Asian Cup earlier this year and Japan witnessed his quality firsthand.
Next up is a home match against Tajikistan, who currently sit last after losing their first two matches.
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