Japan and Greece settle for a stalemate

Japan failed to register their first win in the tournament as they were restricted to a draw by the Greeks in the second match. Japan, with a demoralizing defeat in the first match needed to win against the Greeks but they failed to do so.

The Greeks played most part of the match with 10 men after their captain Katsourinis was sent off after a second yellow on the night for a tackle on Hasebe who was never threatening with his run on that occasion. Japan came close on numerous instances but could never break the deadlock that would have given them a breathing space in the group after having lost their first match against Ivory Coast.

Greece was restricted to their defense by the Japanese attacks and seldom had they found them inside the territory of Japan. But when they did, they looked dangerous and threatened to score. Particularly in the second half they looked sharper than they had been in the first half. But neither team could do the necessary and the match ended on an unexciting draw.

With this draw Japan face the fears of an early exit. They now have to depend on the other teams in the group to find them I the next round. Greece who has come to Brazil with not much expectations will try to salvage more pride in the next match as they have already earned a lot of respect from the spectators.

• About the Author

About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.