sorry, but go watch the highlights of japan in 2014 in whatever thread they're in here and try and tell me the AWs are better now than then.
The defending by the AWs at the start of that Japan in 2024 was comical. Then from my memory Emblem's young team, did come back and Wood scored 2 really nice goals.
However the Japanese undoubtedly eased off after being 4-0 up in about 15 minutes. They also made 4 changes at halftime, so that would have disrupted their flow. It really was just a training run for them, as they were preparing for Brazil 2014. They had a few more good chances though, and it could have easily been say 6-2 or 6-3.
Expect a much much tighter game Friday night, esp with Reid at the back
main thing that stands out for me is a coherent, positive game plan from the AWs (who were undone by a green back four who made some shocking early errors)
Agree to a point - but they benefited from Nippon not taking the game that seriously after being 4-0 up within 15 mins. Still was some promising signs yes at the attacking end.