I don't know the japanese team well enough to know if they fielded an A
team, B team or something in between.

I only saw some of the first half (listened to most of it). Japan
started the stronger, and got a quick goal with a ball over the top that
had our defenders at sixes and sevens (including Borjan). One very
effective touch from Soma had it in the net.

Canada started to come back into the game and play better through the
Japanese press, as well as pressing effectively themselves. We had a
number of free kicks and corners, and from them Hoilett put one in the
box that everyone missed except Atiba, who deflected it on to Vitoria,
who had a lot of room to put into the back of the net from close range.

After that we looked much the better team - more possession, more shots,
more shots on target, fewer fouls, lots of corners. I was kind of
surprised to see the Japanese struggle so much. They really defended
very poorly on crosses into the box.

Second half I missed put Cavallini scored a penalty very late to win the
game. Foul was committed on Laryea on a typical penetrating run into
the box, according to reports.

Canada fielded a strong team, but without Davies (still recuperating)
and Eustaquio (wrapped in cotton wool as our best midfielder ? Or maybe
a niggle). Beneficiaries were probably Piette who started, and
Hoilett, who played very well and caused havoc with his crosses, corners
and free kicks.

Borjan

Johnston Vitoria Miller Adekugbe

Hoilett Hutchinson Piette

Buchanan Larin David

Buchanan and David also looked sharp.

Subs who got on the field were Kaye (Piette), Koné (Hutchinson), Osorio (Buchanan), Cavallini (Larin), Waterman (Johnston) and Laryea (Adekugbe).


A decent dress rehearsal, I guess.

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