WORLD CUP
Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Attendance: 62010
* Local time based on your geographic location.
Watch Live on: ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV, ESPN 3D
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Goal
Shot
Video
Goal
Shot
Video
Shots (on goal)
tackles
Fouls
possession
Netherlands
-
61%
39%
Japan
Netherlands
| Line-up | ||
|---|---|---|
| POS | No | Name |
G |
1 | Maarten Stekelenburg |
D |
2 | Gregory Van Der Wiel |
D |
3 | John Heitinga |
D |
4 | Joris Mathijsen |
D |
5 | Giovanni Van Bronckhorst |
M |
6 | Mark Van Bommel |
M |
7 | Dirk Kuyt |
M |
8 | Nigel De Jong |
M |
23 | Rafael Van der Vaart |
| M | 17 | Eljero Elia |
F |
9 | Robin Van Persie |
| F | 21 | Klaas-Jan Huntelaar |
F |
10 | Wesley Sneijder |
| M | 20 | Ibrahim Afellay |
| Substitutes | ||
| POS | No | Name |
| G | 16 | Michel Vorm |
| G | 22 | Sander Boschker |
| D | 12 | Khalid Boulahrouz |
| D | 13 | Andre Ooijer |
| D | 15 | Edson Braafheid |
| M | 11 | Arjen Robben |
| M | 14 | Demy De Zeeuw |
| M | 17 | Eljero Elia |
| M | 18 | Stijn Schaars |
| M | 19 | Ryan Babel |
| M | 20 | Ibrahim Afellay |
| F | 21 | Klaas-Jan Huntelaar |
Japan
| Line-up | ||
|---|---|---|
| POS | No | Name |
G |
21 | Eiji Kawashima |
D |
3 | Yuichi Komano |
D |
4 | Marcus Tulio Tanaka |
D |
5 | Yuto Nagatomo |
D |
22 | Yuji Nakazawa |
M |
2 | Yuki Abe |
M |
7 | Yasuhito Endo |
M |
17 | Makoto Hasebe |
| F | 9 | Shinji Okazaki |
F |
8 | Daisuke Matsui |
| M | 10 | Shunsuke Nakamura |
F |
16 | Yoshito Okubo |
| F | 11 | Keiji Tamada |
F |
18 | Keisuke Honda |
| Substitutes | ||
| POS | No | Name |
| G | 23 | Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi |
| G | 1 | Seigo Narazaki |
| D | 6 | Atsuto Uchida |
| D | 13 | Daiki Iwamasa |
| M | 10 | Shunsuke Nakamura |
| M | 14 | Kengo Nakamura |
| M | 15 | Yasuyuki Konno |
| M | 20 | Junichi Inamoto |
| F | 9 | Shinji Okazaki |
| F | 11 | Keiji Tamada |
| F | 12 | Kisho Yano |
| F | 19 | Takayuki Morimoto |
Match Stats
- Netherlands
- Japan
| 9(5) | Shots (on goal) | 10(3) |
| 18 | Fouls | 11 |
| 4 | Corner kicks | 5 |
| 2 | Offsides | 1 |
| 61% | Time of Possession | 39% |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 3 | Saves | 4 |
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Enjoy your day.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's all from me for now, people. Many more games coming your way!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sounds pretty accurate to me.
[Comment from Hanegraaf]
No bearing on the match, but, top five Ugly: 5. Kuyt, 4. Tevez, 3. Drogba, 2. Lescott, 1. Ribery? Yes? No?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's the one.
[Comment from Sad American]
That other ref wouldnt happen to be from Mali would he?
[Comment from Tom]
Hup Holland Hup!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bar wasn't very high, was it?
[Comment from Danaher]
Good reffing in this game, I thought. Much better than that US game.
[Comment from President Obama]
Bravo Schaerlackens! Another brilliant script. Now, what do you know about oil spills?
[Comment from Morty]
if that's Ronaldo or Messi they point to the spot
[Comment from Yunny]
A bit of an elbow for De Jong, but Nagatomo tries to sell it too much.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I can think of another ref who would have surely gotten that wrong.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That was a really good call.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Final whistle!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: No yellow though.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The ref rightly called him for flopping.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He went down real easy.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: De Jong knocked down Nagatomo in the box.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan almost gets a penalty!
[Comment from Travis]
That was freaking rezors edge close.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Two minutes of extra time remain here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Should have done better.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Over by inches.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Okazaki broke out on when Tanaka headed it on, got past Mathijsen and got a shot off from 10 yards!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bronckhorst trips over the ball and loses it. Japan with the ball still.
[Comment from late sleeper]
Awfully orchestrated by Afellay, that was. Exciting, none the less.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Great defender he is!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: And heads away the corner kick.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tanaka caught up with the ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Afellay again almost slides it past Kawashima.
ESPN Stats and Info: The Netherlands have only won a World Cup match 1-0 once before, against Serbia & Montenegro in 2006.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie off for Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Unfortunately for Elia, Nagatomo, his man, is almost just as quick as he is.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan is trying here. But the Dutch are starting to sit back a little.
[Comment from Chance]
Afellay has to do something with that sooner. He waited too long.
[Comment from Vlad]
He HAD to score
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Afellay on the break one-on-one with Kawashima who blocks the shot!
[Comment from Phil]
Sneijder leaves in jabulation
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder is off for Ibrahim Afellay.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tanaka almost gets onto the end of a ball into the box.
[Comment from Kyle]
Thanks for reminding us :(
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nakamura sends a ball into the box, but Nagatomo, who bobbled it, complains that it was in the wrong spot.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van der Wiel deep on the right. Sends a cross in that slaps Tanaka in the face. Amazingly, he doesn't get a yellow.
[Comment from lieutenant sarcasm]
Jabulannoying!
ESPN Stats and Info: The Netherlands have won all eight of their competitive games in which Sneijder has scored.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He tried to shoot, it was blocked and almost rolled to van Persie one-on-one with Kawashima, who got to it first.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Elia on the run.
[Comment from aboutajay]
Thanks to you, my new favorite exclamation is "Jabulani!"
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hasebe is off for Shinji Okazaki. Okubo off for Keiji Tamada.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dutch quite happy to dance into the second round with six points while having played just 20 minutes of good soccer.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A bit of ball keepage. Nothing exciting.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes. 23.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 23, I think.
[Comment from captain obvious]
how old is elia, looks like a baby
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch break out in numbers, but van Persie's ball to Kuyt and Sneijder was no good.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dutch still with 63 percent of possession.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder to Elia. Elia's cross is short.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan immediately triple-teams him when he comes on.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Easily. Spoke to him the other day. Nice fella too. Tinier than you'd think.
[Comment from Kyle]
If he hits top speed do you think he can cut through time and space with that hair?
[Comment from Just Saying]
After all this, if Elia scores an own goal I'll die of laughter.
[Comment from Jabulani]
I Love Sailing!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: On for van der Vaart!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Our savior commeth!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: ELIA!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Komano cross is poorly hit and sails over.
[Comment from late sleeper]
Open the window for Japan!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: More danger from Japan! Endo almost gots a cross to Nakamura right before goal.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van der Wiel beat him to it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Honda almost gets on to a ball deep in the box!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ik ook ;)
[Comment from Kyle]
Ik heb een grote slang in mijn broek
[Comment from Kipa]
Schaerlaecken Culb Member 2458... that might be the best username I've seen yet
[Comment from Yunny]
That was as poor a free kick as I have ever seen this world cup.
[Comment from Dennis]
im cutting saturday detention for this.
[Comment from Schaerlaecken Cult Member 2458]
Bring on Elia! And cause Japanese supporters to have a 47th floor comment. (Joke for those that followed this feed during US match.)
ESPN Stats and Info: Sneijder has two goals in his two games against Japan and three in his last four games overall.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Low and short.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Very poor stuff.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's walked it off. Loooong free kick now for Van der Vaart.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Uh-oh. Van Persie is tackled by Okubo and is down.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Careful, I tell you!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan is the better side right now. The Dutch need to be careful.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Okubo with a shot from outside the box! Just wide.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Daisuke Matsui off for Shunsuke Nakamura.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan controlling the ball now.
[Comment from Kipa]
Japan's starting to show some friskiness in the attacking third
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good cross in by Honda. But it's headed away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Japanese have taken much of the initiative since going behind.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed on by Abe but not dangerous.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van der Vaart gets his sticks between Japanese sticks. Free kick.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: At least this game appears to have shaken off its atrophy.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner headed away.
ESPN Stats and Info: Japan have never won a World Cup match when allowing the first goal.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'd say so.
[Comment from eugene]
best goal of the tournament? chabalalalal?
[Comment from Goodz]
straight at the keeper! terrible error on keepers part.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner conceded by Heitinga.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Looking at the replay, that really was poor goalkeeping by Kawashima.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Okubo again with a shot. It curls over. Stekelenburg was there and didn't need to touch it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Okubo gets a shot off but Stekelenburg's endless arms easily catch it.
[Comment from Hate to Say But]
That's another soft goal. Well struck but if it hits the keeper in the fists, it must be kept out.
ESPN Stats and Info: That's the seventh goal from outside the box at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
[Comment from Simon V.]
One of the best shots of the tournament there Leander!
[Comment from Will]
Former Ajax man as well :)
[Comment from Robbie Rensenbrink]
About damn time, I was ready to fly down there and finish it myself
[Comment from Travis]
That was a freaking rocket.
[Comment from late sleeper]
i'm awake now
[Comment from Will]
WHAT A SHOT~!!!!!!!!!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The ball went at Kawashima but he was going the wrong way and his fist couldn't redirect it enough.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A little touch by van Persie had set it up.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A ball rolls around the in the box and falls to Sneijder, who sends a bolt past Kawashima.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!!!!!!
[Comment from Phil]
I hate you Leander! Hate you! (how's that Andrew?)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Is it Ground Hog day?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another Sneijder corner headed out by Tanaka.
[Comment from Phil]
Orange shirts in the Japanese box. How unusual.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ego is saturated after Thursday's love fest.
ESPN Stats and Info: Half of the matches so far at the 2010 World Cup have been scoreless at the half (12 of 24).
[Comment from Andrew]
I feel like we're really feeding into Leadner's ego today
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder heads it but Tanaka again dominates in the air.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Swung in well, but Tanaka was able to head it away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ooh!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for van der Vaart.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tulio smacks down van Persie.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch are robbed of the ball by a bad call at the touch line.
[Comment from Pat]
Same here, except I am watching Univision
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie in the box, but his little ball to the side didn't find anybody. Van Bommel had set him up really nicely.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The example to follow.
[Comment from Phil]
I'm at home with the game on CBC, and Leander on my computer.
[Comment from Dan]
Leander is more entertaining than the game itself, cheers :)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie doesn't exactly come close on a header off a cross from van Bronckhorst.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The best replay the television feed has come up with was Mathijsen shielding Honda off a ball rolling behind the goal line.
[Comment from Andrew]
Yeah, even though I'm not at work and could easily just watch the game, I'm still on here. I blame you, Leander
[Comment from Ken]
Being at work and watching soccer is one of the best things you can do lol...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: To my disappointment, the players have made it back onto the field and are ready to go for the second half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pretenders
[Comment from Cole]
what's your take on Portugal? contenders or pretenders?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: So where are you then, Matt? Oh, I suppose it's a Saturday, huh? You lose track of these things in a tournament such as this one.
[Comment from Matt]
Good morning Leander...I just dont feel right not being at work and sending comments...I like the getting paid to watch soccer factor...makes me feel like I am you...!!!
[Comment from skip]
There are only two types of people I hate: Those who are intolerant of other cultures, and the *Dutch*.
[Comment from mkm]
Will the damn fool put Elia in in the 2nd half?
[Comment from Phil]
Kipa, you're right, a dreary strategy. It was terrible that it was so effective.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm wearing an orange t-shirt with Cruyff's face on it. That's the closest he's come to the field.
[Comment from Dennis]
Holland needs a Bergkamp or Cryuff type player
[Comment from John]
I like your theory Leander, Although the likes of Fernando Torres and Higuain might say otherwise
[Comment from Kipa]
The trap almost killed hockey. It's basically what we're seeing. Just pack it in, take away passing lanes, never go on attack...
[Comment from Cole]
nuetral zone traps are the hockey equal to offside traps in football
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Brazil, Argentina and, still, Spain.
[Comment from Phil]
Leander, so far a lot of the favourites have looked very beatable. Who do you like for the later rounds?
[Comment from Chance]
Ribery looks like he belongs in a bell tower in Paris
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yeah I did. A win also suits both sides, as it guarantees qualification.
[Comment from Wannabe Leander]
Did anyone expect otherwise? Neither team wants to squander their good first games. a draw suits both sides.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: No, I for one am not ignorant of the invention of planes.
[Comment from Ben]
Leander, could you picture yourself being one of the Oranje fans that drove all the way down from the Netherlands?
[Comment from Kipa]
Should Ruud Gullit come down from the ESPN booth and suit up?
[Comment from Ben]
Could you imagine if the samurai slice the oranje?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Very true. While the Dutch have 69 percent of possession, they've gotten just three shots off and one on goal. Japan had five shots and one on goal.
ESPN Stats and Info: The Netherlands 69% first half possession is the highest of the tournament so far for an opening half.
[Comment from Isael]
Japan now have more shots than the Mechanical Orange
[Comment from yawn]
oh i just rememberd... there is some paint i need to go watch dry
[Comment from Endi]
I woke up early here in Columbus, OH...And there's little of interest so far.
[Comment from Zen Master]
A wonderful half, if you're a minimalist
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I don't know what that means. But I'm sure other hockey fans will appreciate it.
[Comment from Kipa]
I'm a hockey fan. I feel I'm watching the neutral zone trap
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Because Dutch coach van Marwijk is a fool, Will! A damn fool!
[Comment from Will]
why did Elia not start?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Could there be an inverse relationship between looks and soccer ability?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Very, very high. He can't compete with Tevez and Ribery though. Serious ugly there.
[Comment from Hanegraaf]
Where would you rank Kuyt on the list of Most Unfortunate Looking Footballers?
[Comment from Yunny]
So far, the Japanese team bus is bigger than the Danish team bus.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Let's nip this one in the bud. The Dutch don't play Total Football anymore. It's an outdated system that is impractical in the modern game because you need a team to stay together for at least a decade for it to work effectively.
[Comment from late sleeper]
I was afraid of that. Total football can be totally dull sometimes...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch woke up halfway through the second half against Denmark. But they weren't anywhere near this lethargic in the first.
[Comment from Kyle]
Leander, any thoughts on how the 2nd half will play out? Expect more of the same?
ESPN Stats and Info: This is the fourth consecutive World Cup match for the Netherlands that has been scoreless at the half.
[Comment from TimeZone]
Seeing how it is 5AM in Seattle, I don't think you are a late sleeper.
[Comment from Dan]
Also in Seattle, thought watching this gamecast would keep me awake at work, not working :)
[Comment from BACKTOBED]
I'm going back to bed
[Comment from Endi]
Almost half time and no real solid chances for the Dutch? Wow.
[Comment from Goodz]
A good example of why passing statistics in soccer are often useless. Lots of dutch passes with no forward progress
[Comment from USAwasRobbed]
Netherlands are ranked 4th in the world playing like this?
[Comment from mkm]
I am about to go back to sleep in New Orleans
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half-time.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good point. South Holland and North Holland are western provinces, and some of the most populous ones. There's no such thing as "Holland" though.
[Comment from factchecker]
just so everyone knows... holland is not the netherlands. its just 1 part of it!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long shot by van der Vaart. Not that dangerous.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: One minute of extra time. Bother.
[Comment from Bored2Death]
You could have stared at a wall and seen more action than this game.
[Comment from Andrew from Seattle]
I'm still awake in seattle... wish I hadn't stayed up for this one
[Comment from Phil]
go back to sleep
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Speaking of which...eh, it's not even worth relaying. Just a bit of ball back and forth. One team loses it, the other wins it. It goes around for a little. Then we start all over again.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Little. Very little.
[Comment from late sleeper]
I'm just waking up in Seattle - what I miss so far?
[Comment from Vlad]
I wish they showed the image through the camera that just got hit
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Honda out on the right but plays it in behind his fellow attackers.
ESPN Stats and Info: The Netherlands have already completed more passes today than the United States completed in either of their matches so far.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Honda hits only the camera boom.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long Japanese free kick here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ajax. I'm a traitor.
[Comment from Yunny]
A fan of NAC Breda, then?
[Comment from ca-se]
My whole family is from there so am I go dutch
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Breda, in Brabant, which is in the South.
[Comment from Phil]
What area of Holland? My brother-in-law is from Monnickendam.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm getting a little sick of seeing the Dutch not exploit their wings. It's by far their biggest strength, but they have non-wingers on the wings in van der Vaart and Kuyt.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nice spell of possession for the Dutch. But van Bommel's ball over the top is too long for van Persie.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Born there. Moved when I was four. All family still there.
[Comment from Kipa]
Were you born in the Netherlands or is that just your heritage?
[Comment from blah]
The Japanese are weak
[Comment from Yunny]
That was no yellow card.
[Comment from Rick from Yonkers]
If your bored, how do you think I feel!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Komano breaks out on the right, gets it into the box. It rolls to Matsui outside the box and he got a shot off. Routine save for Stekelenburg.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tanaka gets onto the Endo free kick and towers over the Dutch defenders for a header, which goes well wide.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: His sleeve tattoo still looks great and remains unaffected by the yellow.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yellow for van der Wiel for a lame shove on Matsui.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: By virtue of nothing having happened...
[Comment from Phil]
At least we're having some competent refereeing.
[Comment from Tulips]
This style of play means that workers can turn off the computer and get to work....
[Comment from Kevin]
Do Japan even have 31 passes completed?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Honda get a free header in the box, completely uncovered as two Dutch defenders hilariously crash into each other, but he heads it over.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick to Japan.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I've never been this bored watching my own country play.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Like an Elia moment, for instance?
ESPN Stats and Info: Johnny Heitinga has completed all 31 of his passes so far.
[Comment from James]
Game could really use a moment of individual brilliance
[Comment from Andrew]
Algeria would still have pride to play for, and that might have been more dangerous.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Or, alternatively, as Andrew put it:
[Comment from Kipa]
The counterargument is Algeria would play looser and with pride so they'd be tougher too. Seen that happen in other sports
[Comment from Travis]
A team with nothing to play for can be a even more dangerous team
Leander Schaerlaeckens: For the second time this game, the Dutch inexplicably play a ball out of bounds by accident.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van der Vaart is fed well by van Bronckhorst and sends in a dangerous looking cross, which is blocked.
[Comment from Yunny]
Possession teams usually won't make their dominance tell against park-the-bus defenses until they've worn down the stamina of their opponents a bit in 2nd half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nonsense. Because England lost the Americans have a much better chance of not just qualifying but winning the group.
[Comment from Kipa]
I saw Ally McCoist and others (plus I've thought this) say an England win would've been best for the US, b/c Algeria would have nothing to play for. Thoughts?
[Comment from Juice from Illinois]
This game doesn't seem that crucial. and it seems kinda slow.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Danish did it for much of the game too.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's nice for the Dutch though to be facing a park-the-bus opponent yet again.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's not very attractive, but it's working for them.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan, it must be said, is doing a really good job of letting the Dutch come and then killing space.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fair point, Mike. Van der Vaart drops deep and inside too much. And van Persie and Sneijder are going out to the left too much.
[Comment from mike]
the dutch dont seem to be playing together, their formation constantly collapses on the left. A guy like Elia would work better with Sneijder and Persie
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch still have 75 percent of the ball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's not in their interest to, and it's not their style. They need a win. They can still advance. A tie doesn't serve them at all.
[Comment from dougish]
Leander, do you think Algeria will just play 11 men behind the ball against the US?
[Comment from Wex]
Gosh, Holland's orange is a harsh hue. If the sound of the vuvuzela had a color, it would match those Dutch kits.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie hardly touches an opponent with a finger or two and he crashes to earth like a meteor.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Not all that offside, actually. Still offside, but not by much. The eye is easily deceived, when defenders and attackers move in different directions.
ESPN Stats and Info: In their first match Japan attempted the fewest shots (3) of any team since Saudi Arabia v Germany in 2002.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Okubo is caught well offside.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Lots of short passes by the Dutcc connecting, but they always seem to end up in the same spot they started at.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're about halfway through an uninteresting first half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: They are not. Or Bob Bradley would be in serious trouble.
[Comment from Mike]
Forgive my ignorance but are the suit and ties mandatory on the bench?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Japanese are defending very well, and will play on the counter. Yes, the Dutch have more of the ball, but they haven't been dominating.
[Comment from Yunny]
I'm not sure you would call this "evenly matched so far", Leander.
[Comment from Phil]
82% possession - so DO something with it Oranje!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nice shot of the Dutch bench there, where the staff is all in the same suits with the top buttons open and no tie. What a statement!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan is holding up really well.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch are now well into Japanese territory, but the spaces are very tight.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 78 percent possession to the Dutch, who have gotten two shots.
[Comment from johny]
netherland's should have scored already there a much better team
[Comment from Young]
Just because I am Korean, I would LOVE to watch Japan get beaten by a wide margin. =)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan swings a ball into the box will after which Matsui almost finds Honda in the box on the next play.
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
As soon as this meeting is over I am going to find a TV with ESPN...Thank you 5 mile radios!
[Comment from Art]
Japan doesn't have a change. Ned 2-0
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This game is hesitant to get going. Both teams are game for it, but they're very evenly matched at the moment.
ESPN Stats and Info: Holland have won their three World Cup games against Asian sides, scoring 10 goals in the process.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nakazawa with a tricky shot from the edge of the box. Just wide!
[Comment from VABuckeye]
I was taught that ain't ain't a word
Leander Schaerlaeckens: No dice.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A fat chance for the Dutch for Kuyt.
[Comment from Italy2010Champs(Repeat)]
Actually ain't has become a word. Check the dictionary.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A rising shot doesn't stop rising and rises over the goal.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: His tiny little legs getting ready to take 78 steps to cover 10 yards.
ESPN Stats and Info: Early Dutch dominance: the Netherlands have attempted 77 passes. Japan have attempted just 13.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder to take it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's called justice...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for the Dutch.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie hands out a wee slap and as he's knocked over kicks a Japanese player in the chest and/or chin.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Then again, "u" is a word?
[Comment from USAwasRobbed]
aint is a word?
[Comment from Joe]
Things I would be willing to "guarantee" at this particular Cup: Some players will flop, vuvuzelas will be played, and... nope, that's it.
[Comment from Eljero Elia]
I can't believe coach didn't start me, I'm the best player on this team
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tallest on average of any country in the world!
[Comment from david]
if u aint dutch u aint much
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Honda, it is worth nothing, is playing up front today.
[Comment from Steph]
It's Hilarious how the Dutch names get pronounced in English
ESPN Stats and Info: Six of Japan's last seven goals in World Cup finals have been netted by midfielders, including Keisuke Honda's in the opening game against Cameroon.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: With the Dutch players slipping in and out of the sun, the orange of their jersey goes from fluorescent to downright on fire.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner is headed away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie and van der Vaart combined on the left. Van Persie's cross was too short for Kuyt to get to. Kuyt could have cut in better.
[Comment from Travis]
lets hope the level of reffing goes back to status quo today.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ah, of note. Netherlands 4th in the world and Japan 45th. Guarantees stemming from such: none.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nothing of note to report, except for a clumsy challenge by van Bommel who is called for a foul.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 'Round and 'round the ball goes.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good call.
[Comment from Andrew]
I'll take a carnitas burrito w/ salsa verde please, even at 7:30
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This game is a go.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: [BIAS ALERT] The Netherlands.
[Comment from brad]
who is favored to win this game?
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
LETS GO JAPAN! I love a good under dog match up
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan's huddle looks a little more sumo-style than other countries' huddles. Coincidence?
[Comment from orange tulips]
Chipotle barbacoa Burrito rocks! Nederlands 4, japan 1!
[Comment from Darby]
Your 3-1 Dutch, Hup Holland!Comment
[Comment from twan]
dutch are about to give it to these punks
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Now that we all know each other, let's get this game underway.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm a soccer writer for ESPN.com. I'm also a Chipotle- fanatic, a husband and not a morning person.
[Comment from biggs]
who are you leander? sorry for being ignorant
[Comment from football guy]
why is Elia not playing? Stupid dutch coach. Hope they lose.
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
I will go with Japan 2-1 Netherlands.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: All rise...
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
WOW! That was a horrible call...hands down ball hits him in the face then hands and YELLOW CARD! I almost went through my TV!
[Comment from Kipa]
No Findley is a good thing, if you ask me
Leander Schaerlaeckens: They say making predictions is the best way to look stupid as a sports writer is to make predictions. But I figure I don't have much to lose on that front.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I suppose I'll make one too: Netherlands 3 -1 Japan.
[Comment from kushmiester]
i could make a little prediction....2 Netherlands- 0 Japan
Leander Schaerlaeckens: For red cards there has been a precedent where they revoke the automatic suspension. But this was a yellow resulting in a suspension, and they don't, as a rule, overturn yellows. So by the that twist of the rulebook, there will be no Findley next game.
[Comment from Chance]
Leander, is there any precedent for FIFA overtutrning cards that are shown to be baseless? Such as the handball against Findley that will keep him out of the game against Algeria?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nope.
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
Can they reverse the result in the USA game and count the goal if it is found the ref made the mistake?
[Comment from Kipa]
It's almost like the refs can't catch up to the skill of the game or something
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Which, I suppose, means I'm ready to call a game.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Players ready to come onto the field.
[Comment from Kipa]
Yeah, it's weird. The games were kind of dull early on, but the refereeing was good. Now the games are great but the refs have been bad the last few days
[Comment from jefediah]
Thanks for your service to bring American fans futbol at work, this has been the best way to keep up with EVERY game
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
I think he should go home on his own accord....I would be shamed to show my face after that horrible game!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Oddly, the refereeing had been spot-on for the first few games of the tournament. And then it fell apart. Sigh.
[Comment from Chance]
So, what do we think are the chances of their being another disgraceful, game altering display of officiating today like there was in the first two matches yesterday?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's looking like a nice day in Durban. They've just finished spraying the field.
[Comment from Jacob Freed]
What are the weather conditions like there?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes, please! It depends on his accelerated review, if I understand correctly.
[Comment from Kipa]
So there's a report that Coulibali may get axed for the rest of the tournament, eh? Thoughts?
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
LOL! True! With all the shocking upsets already I think Japan has a chance.
[Comment from francis]
japan is going to win netherlands like they did to cameroon
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That doesn't make any sense. He's shown that he can run all game long. So why would it be more effective later on than earlier on?
[Comment from James]
Perhaps they feel Ella's pace is more dangerous off the bench.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm inclined to think that you're more likely to have their phone number than any of us are. So I'll leave that up to you.
[Comment from SSgt Supply]
Someone should tell the Com Squadron at Barksdale AFB to unblock ESPN360.com so we can watch the world cup! Come on BRASS!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Certainly. The Netherlands wasn't sharp for 70 minutes against Denmark, and Japan only went and beat Cameroon on African territory.
[Comment from YODA]
Does Japan stand a chance?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I've taken the necessary precautions for this one and went and got a sandwich before this game, eliminating all risk that I'll have to peace out halfway through the game because I'm about to faint.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Agreed, Ben.
[Comment from Ben]
Leander, it's not just that. If Robben and Elia are healthy, Kuyt and Van der Vaart shouldn't start. Simply put.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'd put Elia in for van der Vaart and I'd take de Jong out for, well, anybody. Probably for Demy de Zeeuw.
[Comment from Nick]
what if any changes would you make to the dutch line-up?
[Comment from Mike]
Good Morning, Leander!
[Comment from Jacob Freed]
I am here with you Leander! It's 7:00 a.m. EST and I am ready for some Futbol!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ben, fair point. Van der Vaart wasn't bad against Denmark, but he floated inside too much, which you can't blame him for because he's not a winger. I really don't know what Elia has to do to get a start. He was UNbelievable against Denmark. As he's always been for the Netherlands. Remember how he torched the U.S. in March?
[Comment from Ben]
Not starting Elia? Isn't it about time to say to Van Der Vaart, you're not cutting it here
[Comment from Maurice Edu\'s Mom]
Good Morning Leander. I just booked a flight to Mali. Could you give me directions to the referee's house?
[Comment from ivan]
this game is goin 2 be awsome
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Turning it over to the readers.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Japan:
Goalkeeper: Eiji Kawashima
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Yuji Nakazawa, Marcus Tulio Tanaka Yuichi Komano
Midfielders: Yuki Abe, Daisuke Matsui, Yasuhito Endo, Yoshito Okubo, Makoto Hasebe
Attackers: Keisuke Honda
Leander Schaerlaeckens: No changes from a mostly poor performance against the Danes, in other words.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Netherlands:
Goalkeeper: Maarten Stekelenburg
Defenders: Gregory van der Wiel, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen and Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong, Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart.
Attackers: Robin van Persie.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: With that out of the way, here come your lineups:
Leander Schaerlaeckens: So let me write out a blanket apology for all frustration, rambling, fuming and obscenities right now.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Thus Japan, by definition, is not my country.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is my country playing.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Let me explain any subconscious partiality ahead of time. I, seldom for better and often for worse, am Dutch.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Stick with me for analysis, insight and bad jokes.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm here in South Africa to bring you all the action from Netherlands - Japan.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ugh. I can't believe I just did that.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Goooooooooooood morniiiiiiiiiiiiing, Americaaaaaaaaaa!