“So Close, Japan”

Japanese soccer comes to a halt at final 16

Japan, which recorded its first win and reached the second round for the first time in its second appearance at the World Cup, was halted from advancing to the final 8 by the Turkish warriors.

It was the Japan-Turkey game to reach the final 8 held at Miyagi World Cup Stadium on June 18. Japan gave up a precious goal to Turkey’s Umit Davala (29, Italy AC Milan) 12 minutes into the first half to lose the game 1:0.

Japan, which is hosting the World Cup along with Korea, had the support of the entire nation behind it did the best it could to advance to the final 8, but it was helpless against Turkey with its physical dominance and defense.

On the other hand, Turkey, which beat Costa Rica through goal differential in Group C to reach the second round, advanced to the final 8 in its first World Cup appearance in 48 years. Turkey will face the African sensation Senegal for the right to advance to the final 4 on June 22.

Japan played a tough game in the pouring rain against Turkey with its physical strength and broad stroke offensive strategy.

Turkey scored its winning goal with a corner kick from the right side by Ergun Penbe, which was headed in by Davala.

Japan, on the other hand, had a golden opportunity to score a tying goal 41 minutes into the first half with a free kick on the right side of Turkish arc. However, Japan failed to score as Santos’ spin kick bounced off the goal post.

In the second half of the game, Japan put in Takayuki Suzuki and Nishizawa Akinori to even up the game, but it was not enough to pierce through the Turkish defense.