BuzzerBeater Forums

I very much doubt that they underestimated Japan, and I saw no evidence of a "lack of preparedness".
As stated before by Yellow Cake, Australia were unlucky not to win, Kawashima was brilliant, and the Australian defense was fantastic... except for one slip up where Carney moved off his man to cover the near post... only to have Lee execute a brilliant volley. He traps then kicks that, it's probably not a goal.

I don't think Japan was any more focused or had better concentration - except for that one lapse. Generally speaking, Australia looked MUCH more dangerous on attack than Japan.

And I thought Kruse on was a good substitution... but I would have left Kewell on. I thought Cahill had an absolutely awful game.
I also cannot believe that Australia didn't go with a tall attacker, given how much difficulty the shorter Japanese had with players of that ilk throughout the tournament.

Awesome that the hero of the hour was a Japanese player of Korean descent too...

only to have Lee execute a brilliant volley. He traps then kicks that, it's probably not a goal.

I still think he could have taken that off his chest and struck it...he had time..but it was a dream volley.

but I would have left Kewell on

No doubt....he is the goods on that team..Cahill is streaky even though he has had good form for his club team.
And you are right..The Aussies looked real strong on attack...