Football Group A 9041 Italy 13-09-00 18:30 1.55 9042 Nigeria 13-09-00 18:30 3.40 9043 Australia 13-09-00 18:30 3.60 9044 Honduras 13-09-00 18:30 40.00
Football Group B 9051 Spain 13-09-00 18:30 1.45 9052 Chile 13-09-00 18:30 3.50 9053 Morocco 13-09-00 18:30 7.50 9054 South Korea 13-09-00 18:30 7.50
Football Group C 9061 Czech Rep 13-09-00 18:30 1.40 9062 USA 13-09-00 18:30 4.50 9063 Cameroon 13-09-00 18:30 4.50 9064 Kuwait 13-09-00 18:30 11.00
Football Group D 9071 Brazil 13-09-00 18:30 1.15 9072 Japan 13-09-00 18:30 6.50 9073 Slovakia 13-09-00 18:30 7.50 9074 South Africa 13-09-00 18:30 12.00
Take a bow Philippe Troussier. Japan's Olympic soccer side proved beyond any doubt the value of tactical discipline. Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba's boys were just not up to it in Thursday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of a tactically superior Japanese team.
Japan are mere minnows in the football world and yet they boast an 18-match winning streak at this level. This is a remarkable achievement and one for which Troussier deserves the highest praise.
There was so much to admire about Japan's sparkling performance. They are blessed with players who displayed game intelligence all over the pitch. Their precision passing was a joy to watch. And apart from outclassing Amaglug-glug tactically, Troussier's side also displayed extremely high technical skills.Amaglug-glug's Olympic campaign is still alive, but at least the Troussier factor can now be laid to rest. Benni boasted in a televised pre-match interview that they'd whip Japan. It did not happen and nor did the promised vengeance from other quarters.