adminNATAL, Brazil. — Japan and Greece face a high-stakes World Cup soccer shoot-out here today after opening match defeats which have left their participation in the tournament hanging by a thread.With Japan out-muscled by Ivory Coast 2-1 and Greece thumped 3-0 by Colombia on Saturday, defeat for either side in their Group C collision in Natal could well be terminal.
Whether Japan or Greece are heading for the exit tonight will depend on the outcome of Colombia’s showdown with the Ivory Coast earlier in the day.
But what is not in doubt is that neither Japan nor Greece has much margin for error in today’s midnight kick-off at the Estadio das Dunas.
Japan’s English-based defender Maya Yoshida believes it will be crucial for the Blue Samurai to score first against the Greeks. —AFP.
Online Reporter