A poor 90 minutes ends with Japan drawing with Greece nil all. Japan had an extra man advantage but they could not make it count in the second half.
Colombia are now through to the Round of 16. It is hard to see Japan pushing the Colombians, meaning their World Cup is practically over.
The Greeks are playing far too defensive. Ivory Coast should beat them well and qualify second in the group.
FINAL SCORE:
Japan 0
Greece 0
Greece and Japan clash in a match where the loser will surely be eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8.00am (AEST).
After opening the scoring against the Ivory Coast, Japan eventually fell 2-1 to their more illustrious African rivals and now need a win against the Greeks to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Greeks meanwhile have a mountain to climb following a convincing 3 nil defeat to Colombia. Greece had their chances to score but were well outplayed by the Colombians.
In terms of flair and creativity, the Japanese are comfortably the better side in this regard. They really troubled the Ivory Coast in their first half and could have easily been two goals up.
Keisuke Honda was the star for Japan in the opening game scoring a cracking goal with his left foot against the Ivory Coast.
Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa however had a quite game against the Ivory Coast and will need to be more involved if Japan hope to trouble the Greek defence.
Greece meanwhile need strong performances from Samaras and Gekas upfront. Gekas in particular should have scored against Colombia but his second half header in front of goal crashed against the bar.
Samaras can also cause trouble on his day and needs to fire against a suspect Japanese defence.
With both teams desperate for a win, today’s contest promises to be a tight affair. Both teams may opt not to take too many risks today as they seek to keep their World Cup campaigns alive.
With Greece possessing a -3 differential however, they will have to attack at some point and it is here where the likes of Honda and Kagawa could prove decisive on the counter attack for Japan.
Japan to win 2-1
Alan
Roar Guru
Thanks 70 Mo
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Great call Alan. Japan look capable of so much more. Looks like they get stage fright at World Cups
Punter
Guest
2 very poor teams by the WC standard so far.
Alan
Roar Guru
Gee a poor 90 minutes ends with Japan drawing with Greece nil all here. Japan had an extra man advantage but they could not make it count in the second half. Colombia are now through to the round of sixteen. Don't see Japan pushing the Colombians. Their World Cup practically over. The Greeks ultra defensive. Ivory Coast should beat them well and qualify second in the group. Forgettable game to be honest. Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Japan with another attack. Time running out. Greece win another freekick. Gee one of the more forgettable games of this world cup Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Japan continue to attack. Greece continue to repel. Long ball forward and its a shocker! Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
You can see why Colombia and the Ivory Coast were always going to qualify from this group. Their quality far superior to what Japan and Greece can conjure up. Boy this has been an ordinary contest. Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Freekick struck by Endo and his effort saved by Karnezis. Greece now get the freekick. Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Greece to their credit have held out well but poor attack from Japan to be honest. Expected so much more. Holebas now with a shot and its saved by Kawashima. Japan go on the break and win the freekick in a dangerous area. Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Greece with the freekick here. Shocking delivery out for a goal kick. Japan better get a move on! Greece once again with a thousand numbers back. Throw for Japan Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Greece go forward now. Holebas breaks forward but his long ball straight to Kawashima. Japan press. Greece with huge numbers back. No way through. Worst match of the tournament big time. Corner for Japan. Yoshida now heads over the bar. Didn't konw too much about that header Japan 0 Greece 0
ShmaxShmillas
Roar Rookie
As rock solid as the Parthenon
Alan
Roar Guru
83' - There is no surprise element to Japan's attack. Greece reading them comfortably even with ten men. Low cross comes in but its cleared yet again by Manolas. Another cross headed away again. Japan have to realise that crosses won't work here.... Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Kone wins the corner and he is now off for Salpingidis. Greece with another set piece opportunity. Samaras goes high and heads wide of goal.... Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Time becoming a real enemy for the Japanese now. The Greeks don't look like being opened up to be honest. Don't know why Greece are sticking to the draw. I don't see them getting anywhere near the Ivory Coast based on their opening two performances. Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Okubo with a shot from distance that is well saved by Karnezis but its something at least from the Japanese! Cross headed away. Japan continue to probe Japan 0 Greece 0
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Japan have an extra man but you wouldn't know it to be honest! Ball played in and its a freekick to the Greeks. Not looking too good for Japan. Japan 0 Greece 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
exciting moment then, bit of a goal mouth scramble, ball seemed to get stuck between the feet of Torosidis, 3 metres in front of his goal, couldn't dig it out, finally spooned it out, directly into the path of the oncoming Uchida who who shot wide
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - All Japan at the moment but the Greek defence still not stretched. Good tackle on Endo. Nagatomo with the cross. Greece will head those away all day!!!! Goal kick to the Greeks Japan 0 Greece 0