Japan rallied South Korea

Japan extended its run of consecutive good results against South Korea overcoming the rivals 3-0. Samurai Blue side controlled the game from the start and didn't let it down until the last 20 minutes, when the score was already secured. In that span of time, Koreans built their best scoring chances. Japan's development continues under Alberto Zaccheroni. Zac's side started with an usual 4x2x3x1: Italian manager opted to line up Keisuke Honda as No. 10 behind the lone forward Tadanari Lee, with Shinji Kagawa on the flank. Yuichi Komano went to play as left back, opposite to Atsuto Uchida: both was penetration threats moving up front. The Samurai Blue pilled up a lot of scoring chances in the first half but no goals there. That changed in the 30 minute thanks to Kagawa. Japan retained the ball well and dominated with a high percentage of ball possession. Zaccheroni chosen to use a modern version of the 4x2x3x1 system with more flexibility: the wingers went from the outside to create spaces for the overlapping moves by the half backs. That created some problems for Korea, specially when their half backs was following the opponents' wings while the Korean flankers was not making the same against Komano and Uchida. The three attacking midfielders behind Lee gave Japan the depth while Komano and Uchida provided width. Maya Yoshida and Yasuyuki Konno played well in the centre of the defense and both retained the back line high up. The team was well placed to pressure immediately the Koreans every time they had the ball after Japan was losing the ball possession. On the defensive phase, Yasuhito Endo and Makoto Hasebe was able to help the back line also giving midfield support in the offensive phase.