Made in Japan

The Japanese national team exits with honor in the round of 16 against Brazil, after a strong and ambitious match, with a final score of 2-1

Made in Japan, meaning made in Japan, but this time the Deep Purple have nothing to do with it, with all that meticulous patience that only such a people could create. A football movement born in a country where the sports culture is built on respect for others, supported by good and healthy education. Because if there is a mantra in competition, it is precisely this: the person must come before the athlete. And of all their achievements, which should be the highest ambition, but become just a very high optional, which can also be done without. But the exit from the scene with the much more decorated players from Brazil, aside from the usual Japanese narrative, enslaved by the repeated lessons of good manners, such as cleaning the stands and locker rooms, sounds like a dystopian reality, and we understand how Suzuki and his teammates, led by coach Moriyatsu, miss yet another fierce opportunity to bounce back with a leap in quality. That the entire Asian hemisphere would have quietly requested, with the usual politeness. Which, at this point, represents a limit if “applied tirelessly.” And Dallas becomes the latest example, with the Samurai Blue surprisingly leading until halftime, Ancelotti revising his national team and not only patiently equalizing but closing in injury time with a billiard shot from Martinelli. For the Japanese, not even the crumbs of extra time, but all in all, the plot is as scripted. The Levante goal must, for the umpteenth time, wait patiently.

Photo Credit by Undici Magazine