Now I’ve seen the entire game, some of it for a second time, Popa deserves more credit than he is getting on this forum. Thankfully, there are new posters on this forum who recognise Popa's value.
He has accrued 15 points from 7 games in this round of WCQs and is undefeated.
In his 3-4-3, 5-4-1, 5-2-3 formation, depending on the part of the pitch, he selected a team (like Arnie usually did) where all players' major strength is their off the ball work. In any given game players average on the ball is 3 minutes for the whole 90 mins. More if you are a DM or CB, less if you are a striker.
If Popa had played more proficient ball players earlier in the game, Arzani, Tilio, a fitter McGree, or the now non-selected Hrustic, or some of the younger players not selected, they just would not have seen much ball and been worn out.
In turn the Japanese would have even put even more pressure on our defence, but Boyle, Borrello, and Metcalfe ran hard to keep the team shape compact most of the time. Impressively, most Japanese players are superb on the ball and very good off it too.
In the second half the Japanese Squeezing intensity dropped, hence McGree and Yazbek, had more time and space on the ball then their predecessors, Teague and Boyle did. The entire Socceroo team had more time on the ball as the second half progressed.
Popa's 3 part formation has worked well. The team has improved as a unit and has defensively withstood a lot of pressure. It is axiomatic in coaching, the cornerstone of a team is a strong defence.
Also, one has to pay tribute to Japan's long term football plan, based on Brazil. It has had money invested and is working.
