Having watched Colombia beat Ivory Coast earlier in the day,
both teams knew that a draw would hand the South Americans qualification bar a
miracle. This billed for an exciting an exciting end-to-end thriller with both
teams desperate for the win following their opening game defeat.
The pattern of the game was set early on. Japan moved the
ball around diligently but without any great sense of urgency. Japan dominated
possession. Japanese star Kagawa watched
on as Honda and co were unable to find a break through.
Greece were rarely able to attack, then Katsouranis’s was
dismissed for a tackle on Makoto Hasebe that warranted a second yellow card
just before half time. Despite being reduced to 10 men Greece fashioned a few
chances but were unable to nick a goal.
 |
| Katsouranis sees red |
There were more chances at either ends. Japan were wasteful
and could have taken the lead on numerous occasion but were unable to beat the
Greece goalkeeper. The biggest cheer of the evening was the introduction of
little Shinji Kagawa. These teams could have played all week and there wouldn't
have been a goal, so after 90 minutes the referee gratefully blew for full
time.
Japan 0 – 0 Greece 
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