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From left, Japan's Keisuke Honda, Japan's Yasuhito Endo during the World Cup Group E soccer match between Denmark and Japan at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, Thursday, June 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Now that the Socceroos and New Zealand are out, attention in this part of the world turns to our neighbours, Japan and South Korea, who have taken another leap for the new world by making it through their groups.
After the Socceroos’ rousing win over Serbia and South Korea’s comprehensive dissection of Greece on Matchday 1, Japan’s eye-catching display against Denmark yesterday morning was the best of the lot, a clinical combination of technique, poise, pace and precision.
The key words being poise and precision, two words not traditionally associated with teams form these parts, but more on that later.
It may even suggest there is a shift in the world order, and that our part of the world is catching up.
Admittedly, none of these victories have come against traditional European superpowers. They have come against the second tier.
Throw in New Zealand’s draws against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay, and the USA’s sterling efforts so far, and you have further evidence that the gap between the supposed “haves” and “have-nots” is narrowing, and fast.
Coming into this World Cup, one of my real hopes was that Asia could continue to make the world sit up and take notice. The hope was that at least two Asian nations could get out of their group, with one to go on and make the quarter finals.
Part one achieved, with South Korea and Japan jumping the first hurdle, with a decent chance that at least one, more likely Japan, can get through their Round of 16 clash.
Admittedly, both had decent draws. If everything clicked, they could entertain serious thought of getting out of their groups.
Japan looked to be in massive trouble before the World Cup with Takeshi Okada under all sorts of scrutiny, but the adversity has likely served as a motivator, with Okada moulding a very fluid and organised unit. They don’t just play, they play to a plan.
After disappointing campaigns four years ago, both have bounced back in a big way. Lessons for the Roos as we build towards Brazil ’14.
To those that have followed the development of the Japanese game, and there are many across Australia, you’ll agree it’s been coming.
Technically, after being drilled by the Brazilians for a couple of decades, they are now as good on the ball as anyone in world football, Brazilians included.
To those in Australia that have been watching the Asian Champions League since our A-League clubs entered it, you will not be surprised to see midfield schemer Yasuhito Endo, a player I’ve long been writing about, comfortably stepping up to this level. His Gamba Osaka toyed with Asia and the Melbourne Victory a couple of years back, just beautiful to watch.
It confirms, not that there should be any doubt, that technique, if taught and nurtured, will always hold you in good stead.
The big question with Asian sides, traditionally, is whether they have the mental strength and belief to deal with the pressure at this level.
Japan proved, against the Danes, that they are learning these lessons, at last. Even a ridiculous late penalty awarded to Liverpool’s Daniel Agger failed to rattle them.
To my mind, a large part of that comes down to the two absolute rocks in the heart to the defence, Marcus Tulio Tanaka and Yuji Nakazawa, two players I have long admired. Again, they are products of Asia, and both have graced the ACL.
They are winners, pure and simple, and you can’t discount their influence on the Samurai Blue. What a base to build from.
It has allowed Japan to defend deep and know they have the quality to absorb teams. Even Holland needed a long range effort, and a bit of late movement from the Jabulani, to break them.
And then they have quality in abundance on the break, with the European-based Keisuke Honda particularly catching the eye with his sumptuously soft touch and composure under pressure. The latter trait should never be underestimated.
His work to set up Japan’s third, for Shinji Okazaki, was something else, the type of calm and fantasy we expect from Brazil.
With all the problems Europe’s old guard are having with the Jabulani, it was refreshing to see these surgeons, Honda and Endo, make it talk from the set piece.
Throw in the free kick from South Korea’s Park Chu Young against Nigeria, and Marco Bresciano’s good work over the dead-ball, and it seems the Asians are leading the way in taming the infamous ball.
While the South Koreans got decidedly edgy towards the end of their 2-2 draw with Nigeria, the European experience of the likes of Park Ji Sung and Lee Young Pyo has been invaluable.
Manchester United’s Park, like Honda, has been one of my stand-out performers in the group stage.
Like Japan, I’ve been very impressed with South Korea’s organisation and discipline, and their commitment to calculated attack. Playing with two up front, in Park Chu Young and Yeom Ki Hun, has undoubtedly helped. Not only numbers, but quality.
The work of these sides, to date, is a credit to managers Huh Jung Moo and Okada, both home grown.
Having tamed the European second tier, they now have dates with the South American second tier, South Korea to tackle Uruguay in the first Round of 16 match tonight, before Japan take on Paraguay three days later.
It won’t be as easy, for the South Americans have been in mighty fine form. The tactically flexible Uruguay, in particular, look almost unbeatable.
But Japan, if they continue to compete physically, and remain composed, definitely have a chance of upsetting Gerardo Martino’s Paraguay.
Ultimately, it is likely be one of the old guard, either from South America or Europe, that lifts the coveted trophy in Johannesburg on July 12 (our time), but the hope here is that Asia’s representatives continue to make the world take notice.
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