How’s it going? This is Ken.
Well, victory brings us happiness, doesn’t it?
Looking back, it was the first time for me to see the Samurai Japan win a game in World Cup, though I have been watching World Cup Games at the stadium since 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
*Japan did win the games against Russia and Tunisia in 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, but I couldn’t get the tickets to see them.
Anyway, winning is important.
It seemed that Japan belatedly started to enjoy the World Cup boom.
We only knew it through the news, as we are not in Japan.
I’m glad to hear that people in Japan are getting excited about the World Cup anyhow.
So, this is what we Libero did yesterday: we watched the Japanese game in South Africa last night!!
Let’s get into the battlefield with “Samurai Blue Armors” on!!
We’ve made them in Japan.
Under the blue sky, coke is quenching my thirst.
A samurai is walking beside a sign: “Watch out for a soccer ball”.
This street lighting in the road divider represents “Vuvuzela”.
On the way, we run into a Cameroon supporter.
I wear a hat decorated with the score 3-0.
We dared to expect Japan would beat Cameroon 3-0.
There is a large shopping center near the stadium, and a lot of Japanese supporters can be seen in the restaurant area.
Depending on time and place, we can have such a peaceful moment.
There are many Cameroon supporters as well.
And, we join a main unit of Japanese supporters with Samurai Armors on.
They came all the way from Japan just to see this game.
Samurai armor of mine has also been carried from Japan by air.
This unit consists of 15 samurai supporters!!
I’ve heard that they were mentioned
in one of the articles in this morning’s Yomiuri.
Just before getting into the stadium, we happen to see Mr. Fukunishi, a former member of the national team.
Wait, he looks a little different in this picture.
So, let’s get into the stadium with the Samurai Blue Armors on.
Samurai Blue Armors look great against the blue sky.
Beat the Cameroon!!
In the meantime, Japanese and Cameroon players appear in the field, accompanied by the FIFA anthem.
Samurai Japan puts spirit into themselves with their arms around each other.
The opening game of Samurai Japan has finally kicked off!!
It’s 4 p.m. local time, the beautiful evening in the stadium.
Anyway, Keisuke Honda, who made an invaluable goal, has brought us this historic victory.
He is way too awesome!!
Last September, on our all-around-world journey, we visited Netherland, and interviewed him.
If you don't understand Japanese, please ask your Japanese friends.
Well, let’s move on to the game last night.
We will leave the game itself to the media; instead, we are telling you what was going on in the stands during the game.
We will leave the game itself to the media; instead, we are telling you what was going on in the stands during the game.
Ｌook at his face!! We are cheering for Samurai Japan with excitement like this.
Nippon!!
And, after the game...
Hearing the final whistle which indicated our impressive victory, all players of Samurai Japan came right in front of the stand to greet us. I cannot forget their faces full of happy smiles.
Many supporters were crying from the bottom of their heart, including me.
During the half time, Japan was leading Cameroon by one goal.
The slogan among Japanese supporters was: “Be cool. Don’t get too excited until winning the game.”
This is because it reminded us of a bitter memory in the first match in German World Cup four years ago.
Syunsuke Nakamura got an opening goal, and in the last fifteen minutes of the second half, we were overly excited to see Japan winning the game, and Japan yielded three points in a row. It was as if we had fallen into the hell.
If we get too excited before we win, we will see a coming victory turning into a defeat.
Last fifteen minutes of the second half, Japanese defense kept enduring Cameroon’s offense.
A shot from midfield hit the goalpost.
We were almost hoarse for cheering.
Then, we finally heard the final whistle blown.
We can walk on the street with confidence tonight.
We don’t need to hear the other supporters saying “I’m sorry”.
This is the happiest moment ever.
We are celebrating the victory just after the game!
Atsushi and me. Libero gets really excited.
Today’s MVP should have been Nakazawa. He made no misplays today.
A picture with bowling pins
South Africans also supported Samurai Japan!!
As I mentioned in the blog talking about the game of Argentina against Nigeria, local people, especially children, are more likely to become fond of the winner. It is quite natural.
Many South Africans went back home, happily singing “Nippon, Nippon!!”
Japanese players were desperate to win the game, and at least succeeded in showing their presence.
Playing elegantly is important, but winning is the priority. It is quite natural, but this game made me realize how important it is.
They were playing with spirit. This game moved the audience.
What we got today is…
Three points!!
We took a picture with “Ninjya”, whom Atsushi played opposite to in NHK program “Nettyu Stadium”.
Cooling down, Libero left the stadium.
The stadium somehow looked beautiful.
On our way from the stadium, we found a timely sign.
This means “Honda, center forward”, doesn’t it?
Again, the result of the game:
So….what do you think?
We sometimes forget that football is fun.
But through the game yesterday, we remembered it again.
I heard that there was a great fuss in Shibuya and Roppongi. I think the last time that happened was in 2002 World Cup.
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