Shinji was out injured but not forgotten as his shirt is held up after the great victory
It was a dark day for Japanese Football back 5 years when Tim Cahill almost single-handedly destroyed Blue Samurai dreams at the 2006 football World Cup, coming from behind to beat the Nippon 3-1. Ever since then (despite a Quarter-final victory against the Aussies at the last Asian Cup), Australia have had the mental edge over Japan. The tables have now completely turned as the 2011 Blue Samurai clinched a win with a victory that will cut deep into the Australian footballing psyche courtesy of an extra-time winner in Qatar. Even more devastating was the quality of the finish by substitute Tanadari Lee, as he swivelled with poise and precision for a left footed volley into the top left pocket of Shwarzer's goal. A touch of undeniable class the difference between the 2 teams. With Schwarzer, Kewell, Cahill and Neill unlikely to hang on till the next Asian Cup, a new generation of Australian footballers will have that burden to bear in years to come... and it feels so good.
No comments:
Post a Comment