At half time in the Japan – Scotland broadcast CBC anchor Scot Russell said to analyst Bob Lenarduzzi, “Japan and Scotland, a contrast in styles.” Lenarduzzi then went on to say something about Japan employing a slow build up while Scotland was much more direct.

A less politically correct and honest assessment would have been that it had nothing to do with contrasting styles. What it really came down to was that Japan knew how to play the game while Scotland was clueless.

What a sad advertisement for what is supposed to be Scotland’s brightest and best footballing talent. A team better suited to running into brick walls rather than trying to propel a ball a few yards to a player in the same coloured jersey.

The play-by-play announcer said early in the game that the Scottish team typified all the qualities of their coach Archie Gemmill. Obviously, he must have been talking about a different Archie Gemmill. The one I remember played for St. Mirren and Preston North End before finding success with Derby County and Nottingham Forest. The Gemmill I remember was a player that played with speed of thought, inventiveness and drive while understanding the value of maintaining possession.

A bit like this Japanese team in fact. Although Japan eventually won the match 3-1 they would have not been flattered by a five or six goal margin of victory. In every area of the field Japan showed poise and had a team cohesiveness that was never part of Scotland’s repertoire. 

The back four looked very solid with Kashiwagi, Morishima and Umesaki also catching the eye. The one area where Japan needs to improve is their finishing. To often chances were passed up and if that habit continues better teams will make them pay a higher price.

You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.

You can also check out the National Post blog.

Andrew Warshaw has an article on Just Fontaine who scored 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup.

Ewan Murray talks to ex-Scottish international and scorer of one of football's great World Cup goals Archie Gemmill. Gemmill sees parallels with Scotland's 1978 disaster and England's recent endeavour.

Writers from the Observer combine to produce their best and worst of the 2006 World Cup. 

“United we stand, divided we fall” – England players begin to rip into Sven.

Denis Campbell writes about the task South Africa faces in meeting the standards set by Germany.

Gabriele Marcotti looks at one of the stories that will dominate soccer post-World Cup.