The dream ends

So Japan are out of the World Cup. The dream of reaching the semi finals is over. It's been fascinating to watch both the unfolding of events in South Africa as well as the reaction at 'home'. The team has performed much better than anyone expected. And had it not been for one penalty miss, they could have been in the quarter finals. One of the enduring images of the Japan campaign is the ever-expressionless face of the manager Okada. Rarely did you see a smile. But he had his game plan carefully worked out and the team functioned as instructed. After last night's defeat as always happens at the end of a match, the manager is interviewed immediately by the Japanese media. He took responsibility - 'I was not strong enough'. Some players were also interviewed and as always were gracious in defeat. All sports people in this country are able to speak competently. Then the team went over to bow in front of their fans and express their thanks. People back in Japan had really got behind the team. It's a shame they are out but the players have done their country proud and will return to a great welcome. And that is more than can be said for some other countries. Amazing to think how far Japan has come in football when the professional league only started here in the 1990s. Team spirit, discipline, technical skill - all very Japanese characteristics and all very much on display by the 2010 Japan team. Well done guys.