Chapter 82: Australia(4)

"What changes should the two teams make in the second half, Mr. Shimura?" Hoshino asked.

"Japan has to be more careful with counter-attacks by Australia. Several times, our fullbacks have fallen behind the Australian wingers. Transitions have to be done better. Japan can make small fouls to stop Australia's counter-attacks. Apart from that, the forwards' Japan must also be able to take advantage of every opportunity they get as well as possible, against a team like Australia we will not get too many chances in one game.

Meanwhile, Australia must also be able to take advantage of the opportunities they have. Finishing becomes a clinical problem for them. I think coach Fernandes Da Costa will include other players who can help Australia in the attack. Australia played quite well in the first half. They were just unlucky not to be able to block Kazuki's free-kick."

Shimura explained his thoughts on the first half and his analysis of what the two teams should do. Hoshino nodded, trying to digest Shimura's analysis. Then he continued to ask, "What are your predictions for the game in the second half?"

"I'm still optimistic about the Japanese national team, it will be a tough match, but the winner, in the end, will be the Japanese national team."

"Alright then let's see how the second-round match goes."

On the field, the two teams lined up and walked out of the corridor. They seem ready to start the second half. After that, they walked to the field and took their respective positions. The kick-off will be done by the Japanese national team. The referee blew the whistle as a signal of the second-half start between the Australian national team and the Japanese national team.

Kazuki and Okazaki passed each other the ball and started the second half of the match. Okazaki then kicked the ball far back. The Japanese national team was reorganizing. The formation of the Japanese players moved forward as a whole. Tim Cahill, Tommy Oar, and Mathew Leckie pressing upfront. Tommy Oar and Leckie took a shift on pressing. If the ball is on the right, then Tommy went forward while Leckie slightly backs down, and vice versa.

Yamaguchi and Hasebe were two points that will help the defense in eliminating pressing. They also took turns in guarding Bresciano. If one of the Australian defensive midfielders comes forward to press, then Keisuke Honda will use that space to receive the ball from Yamaguchi or Hasebe.

The Japanese formation sometimes changes asymmetrically depending on where the ball is. When the ball is on the right then Okazaki will go also to the right while Kazuki who is a winger will replace the position left by Okazaki then Japan's left-back, Nagamoto will step up to replace Kazuki's position on the wing.

In the 48th minute, the dynamic formation applied by Japan managed to make this team score for the second time. This attack was preceded by a long pass sent by Hasebe to the right. McKay moved to the left to close space from the side, while Australian left-back Jason Davidson also went up for the ball. Another Australian defensive midfielder, Jedinak marked Keisuke Honda.

At that time, Okazaki appeared on the sidelines of the Australian players, Kagawa immediately gave the pass to Okazaki. Australian center-back, Wilkinson, rushed at Okazaki who escaped from the Australian players.

Okazaki dribbled the ball down to the right of the Australian defense, then crossed into the middle of the penalty box. Kazuki had beaten Spiranovic in a duel of pace, then he met Okazaki's pass with a powerful shot into the right side of the net. Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan jumped and tried to catch the ball but failed. Japan managed to increase the advantage to 2-0.

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"Goaaaaalll! Impressive! Arragon's set up in the second half seemed very successful. Kagawa and Okazaki's moves led to the Australian players gathering on the right side so Kazuki can freely score goals. One defender is not enough to stop this young man," Hoshino cheered loudly.

"Kazuki has shown his capacity as a ferocious striker, this tactic is a door that opens the opportunity for Kazuki to play in a central position even though his position in the Japanese national team is on the left-wing. In addition, the accuracy and ingenuity of passing from Okazaki should be appreciated. Japan managed to lead 2-0 over Australia."

On the sidelines, Fernandes Da Costa shook his head as Japan scored the second goal. This goal was more of a Da Costa tactical error than a player. He didn't expect Okazaki to come closer to the right, so he had to shift Wilkinson a little to the right as well. This made Kazuki only guarded by Spiranovic which proved to be ineffective.

Fernandes called the assistant coach of the Australian national team. His assistant walked over and asked, "Any instructions, coach?"

"Let Milligan and Zola warm up."

"Okay, sir."

Unlike other Australian players, Zola has mature technical skills, he was able to dribble and carry the ball better than most players in the Australian national team, even better than Wilkinson. Fernandes hoped Zola's inclusion will allow Australia to counter-attack more effectively, not just threw long passes forward.

Meanwhile, Milligan was better than Jedinak. Milligan's most important ability was his capability to read the direction of the attack, in a crucial moment, Milligan often stands out and thwarts enemy attacks.

In the 51st minute, the Australian national team made a substitution. Zola came on to replace Leckie while Milligan came on to replace Jedinak. At the same time, Japan also made substitutions. Murasuke Inoha came on to replace Yamaguchi. Inoha was a Japanese player who plays for a Belgian club. In contrast to Yamaguchi, who began to be elected when Arragon became the coach of the Japanese national team. Previously, Inoha had been the starter.

Yamaguchi had better passing and technical skills than Inoha but in terms of defense, Inoha was far above Yamaguchi. This change also signaled that Arragon was anticipating Australia's next attack.

Substitutions made by the two coaches will be a duel in itself. Which change has more impact on this match? Everything is determined by the players who were actually on the field, as good as any tactics designed by the coach will be in vain without good implementation by the players.

With Zola coming to replace Leckie, Australia started trying to attack Japan from the left. Kagawa, Inoha, and Japanese right-back Uchida were busier than usual. Zola's dribbling ability which was supported by other Australian players made Japan a bit overwhelmed, fortunately, Inoha's entry was really on target because he managed to stop several attacks that Australia had tried to build.

In the 63rd minute, Australia finally scored a goal. This goal was created when Tommy Oar and Zola suddenly switched positions.. Nagamoto, Kazuki, and Hasebe were unprepared for the sudden change, so Zola was able to dribble past the Japanese defense from the Australian right flank.

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