Australia -- Japan

I've anticipated this match for a few days. Both are interesting teams, and both have plenty of players with experience in the top leagues of Europe.

They also both have interesting coaches. Japan is coached by Zico, a former Brazilian player. Australia is coached by Dutchman Gus Hiddink, one of the world's most renowned coaches right now.

Judging by their coaches, they'll both play beautiful soccer. One of the premier Japanese players apparently isn't a fan of his coach's style.


30th minute or so -- Japan scores on a cross where one of the strikers hits the Aussie goalkeeper. A controversial goal, at best.

A few minutes later, the Aussie striker nearly scores a great goal, but the ball goes over the bar.

The TV announcers have made such a huge deal about how they think the goal should have been taken away because of the foul. I think they're overdoing the certainty that it was a foul. Frankly, the Aussie goalie did a bad job either way. He should've gotten to the ball.