LiveBlog: Japan-Brazil

Brazil trailed for a bit but roared back as Ronaldo recorded a historic brace. You can read the play-by-play below and leave your comments on the match and on both teams.

Final: Japan 1-4 Brazil

Full time History was made as Ronaldo scored a pair of goals to tie for the all time World Cup lead. Japan actually had the lead in the first half but Brazil roared back to score 4 goals and to capture the top spot in Group F. Japan’s World Cup is over. Thanks for joining me. We’ll be doing this until July 9 if my fingers don’t fall off first. Be safe and enjoy this wonderful time to be alive.

89:23 Sorry folks, Fred will not be playing in this game. Neither will Barney.

88:32 German tv letting me down with no crowd shots of the Brazil babes. Lots of close ups of Ronaldo. Not a fair trade in my book.

87:34 Absoultely madness in the other game. Not that I am jealous or anything. Let’s all pray for no added time so I can fully watch the finish of the Croatia game.

86:12 Japan with a close shot off a free kick but honestly Japan didn’t even bother to show up after halftime. Zico has to be displeased with his team’s effort.

84:45 This is exactly the type of game Brazil wanted before the knockout stage. They get back on track and Ronaldo gets the monkey off his stomach.

83:34 Is it me or did Ronaldo lose weight this game? He must have had a crash diet after the 35th minute. Nice game from the big fella.

82:23 Ronaldo’s 14th goal of his World Cup career is met with some polite cheers. Ceni in for Dida as Brazil makes a rare keeper switch now that the game is over.

80:34 GOALLLL!!! Ronaldo with a blast from the top of the box. He is now tied for the all time World Cup scoring record after getting a brace tonight.

80:02 Even Zico would prefer to watch the other game. He can’t blame Japan’s play on the hot weather this time. It is a great night in Germany. I might even go for a stroll after the game or for the last 10 minutes.

78:15 Australia just scored, but I bet you knew that.

78:12 Two reasons to keep watching: the possibility of seeing a guy named Fred and more crowd shots of the Brazil female supporters.

76:21 Has this been Brazil’s best performance of the tournament? Perhaps, but for the first 45 minutes they didn’t look like champions. They have worn down Japan and gotten the job done again.

75:01 Shot of Bob Carlos taking a nap in front of the Brazil bench. Can’t say I blame him. Sleep sounds good right about now. But we forge on…

74:21 The only drama left is will we see Fred. Everyone loves a guy named Fred.

72:49 Sorry, but the other game is turning out the be a real cracker. Croatia up 2-1 but Australia attacking like mad.

72:34 I think he is keeping Ronaldo on so that he can take a stab at the record against a Japan team that has no answer for him.

71:23 Ricardinho and Ze Roberto coming on for Brazil. Kaka and Ronaldinho get to sit and enjoy the final 20.

70:01 Anyone else think that Robinho deserves to start next game?

68:34 Robinho breaks free and unselfishly tries to find Ronaldo across the box but #9 is a few steps to slow and it goes out of bounds.

68:21 Brazil giving new definition to the term pass and the they get bored and give it to Japan. I bet this is how the next 20 minutes will be. Pass, pass, pass, give away.

66:45 Japan’s offense has either been eaten by godzilla or was left in the locker room at halftime.

66:23Cincinho takes down Alex outside the box. Takahara is out and Ogouro is in.

64:45 It has taken 2.5 games but we are finally seeing a bit of the Brazil that most people expected before the World Cup started.

63:45 If I weren’t liveblogging I would probably switch over to the other game. Anyone mind if I do that game instead? Just kidding. Still lots of time to type GOALLLLL.

62:54 Couldn’t get any worse for Japan with Naohiro Takahara down on the ground holding his knee and crying like a little baby. Can’t fault him for that. He looks pretty badly hurt.

61:12 Brazil with no shortage of room to move. Now it is becoming a matter of how much they want to win by. Will they pull Ronaldinho and Ronaldo soon or will they be allowed to play in the reindeer games?

60:12 Like I said earlier, Brazil will rout them now. Never listen to me. Just play along and know that you know more than I do.

58:53 GOALLLL!!! Gilberto wide open and he hits the net. The rout is on.

57:56 I’m going to go out on a limb and say Japan isn’t going to advance to the round of 16. Go ahead, Japan, prove me wrong.

56:33 Croatia goal against Australia and right now it looks like 1. Brazil 2. Croatia. Still plenty of time in that game for the Socceroos to come back.

55:45 Juninho would lead the World Cup in scoring if he shaved. That was a bomb. He looked like Bob Carlos. Japan with the sub as Nakata comes in for Ogasawara.

54:43 I had something really interesting to say about Kawaguchi but I deleted it. Bad liveblog error.

52:56 GOALLL!!!! Juninho blasts it from far and for once the Japan keeper is out of position and without hope.

52:45 Japan remembers that it has to score and decided to interrupt Brazil’s exhibition by attacking. It doesn’t work and we are back to Brazil showing the world how to pass back and forth and back and forth.

50:34 That was almost amazing. Ronaldinho settting up Ronaldo in the box as both players played a dandy combo ball. Ronaldo’s shot just wide.

50:12 Parreira has to occasionally get up from the Brazil bench and pretend he is coaching these guys.

49:44 Juninho did not shave at halftime. He should have.

48:34 We have yet to see a dominant performance from Brazil but they have gotten the job down. They are likely to face Ghana next round. I look forward to seeing Ghana’s speed up front against Brazil’s backline.

47:56 Of course Brazil is trying to prove me wrong by rolling it around and playing keep away from Japan. The men in blue are kind of chasing but not too hard.

46:34 Some people in the comments predicting a Brazil rout this half. I’m not so sure. Japan is overmatched but they usually give a good effort even if they are down, which they aren’t.

45:45 There are no subs this half so we are stuck with the same 22 from last half and you are stuck with the same liveblogger. My condolences.

45:01 We’re underway in the second half from Dortmund. Actually, I am in Berlin but that is minor technicality. Thanks for joining me. Japan needs to win and to win big to advance. That probably isn’t going to happen, but who cares? We all just want to watch some pretty football. Maybe we will actually see it this half. We also might see Ronaldo tie or break the all time World Cup goal scoring record. He needs one more to tie and two more to make it his own.

Halftime Japan hung tough with Brazil but it is a goal from Ronaldo just before the half that gives the champions momentum. I’m going to go study the tables a bit and I will be back at the start of the second half. Your thoughts on the first half and the game in general are appreciated.

45+ GOALLLL!! Ronaldo heads in a cross from Cincinho and he gets his 13th career World Cup goal just before the half ends.

44:34 Maki flicks on a free kick but it goes over the Brazil goal.

44:12 Japan not afraid to counter attack and why not. Their speed is exposing Brazil’s backline. Plus they need some goals to improve their goal differential. Gilberto is given a yellow card for a cross check (hockey term).

41:21 Ronaldinho with a run that ends with him lightly chipping it to the Japanese keeper.

40:45 Japan playing with new confidence and with the lead. Brazil continuing to largely sleepwalk through this World Cup.

39:12 Seiichiro Maki springs free for Japan but he is just offside. Kaji is shown a yellow for a tackle on Gilberto. First card for either side tonight.

38:45 Australia gets a goal to even things up against Croatia. Things are going Japan’s way thus far tonight. I love this drama.

37:34 Now we get to see how much Brazil cares about this game. They are done a goal and facing some minor adversity (by their standards)

36:34 After Japan scored there was a roar from outside in Berlin. That is one of the coolest parts of being in the country where the World Cup is being played. Everyone is into it each night.

35:32 A Japan win and a Croatia loss/draw will send them through. Who would have thought it could happen? Might be possible now.

34:23 Keiji Tamada takes a nice pass in the box and drills it top shelf with his left foot. Wow, Japan takes the lead. Double wow.

33:05 GOALLLLLLL! Japan GOALLLLL Japan

32:32 Ronaldo with a turn that doesn’t go anywhere. I don’t know about you but I am already thinking about my halftime snack. German chocolate and a beer refill. That is the breakfast of champions.

30:45 Croatia continues to lead 1-0 in the other match, while we have yet to see a score. Ronaldo has had some opportunities but is still scoreless this World Cup.

30:02 Brazil largely controlling the game but credit to Japan for not shying away from the attack. Ronaldo with another sorry move.

28:34 Ronaldinho has yet to show his magic this World Cup. He doesn’t look like the player we saw for Barcelona this year. He hasn’t been bad but certainly far from dominant.

27:45 Kaka earns a corner for Brazil and Lucio looks like he doesn’t belong on the defending champions team. That made me feel good about my poor spelling and first touch.

26:17 It is painful watching Ronaldo struggle to get up for a header. If he doesn;t score this game he might not score the rest of the tournament.

25:34 I agree with the comments about Japan’s keeper Kawaguchi. He has been brilliant this tournament. So were a number of the African keepers like my man Ricardo from Angola.

24:03 Kaji with some nice work for Japan, earns the corner but Brazil is able to get it out and start the attack again.

23:21 Robinho has an extra burst of speed that is quite impressive. I think I like Brazil better with him in there in place of Adriano. What do you think?

21:45 Juninho with a shot that would have gone in if he shaved this morning. Instead it is a corner for Brazil.

20:43 Sometime it looks like Brazil plays with an extra man. They always seem to have someone open.

19:41 Ronaldo getting very close to his 13th goal. He takes it but Japan’s keeper is able to knock it away. Good work tonight from Ronnie.

19:23 Still scoreless here and Croatia is leading Australia 1-0. Right now it would be Brazil and Croatia going through from Group F. That would be one of the rare groups I picked right.

18:02 Do you suppose Brazil is wearing white shorts because they are more slimming? Japan with the ball deep in the Brazil end. Japan’s forwards are less than impressive. I respect their midfield.

16:46 Brazil starting to pass and run and pass and run and pass and run and you get the point.

15:34 Robinho with a nifty back and forth move that leads to a shot that just goes over the bar. That was a flash of something special.

14:46 Japan with a shot but you will never score if you bleach your hair like Inamoto. That is the first rule of the World Cup.

13:34 Juninho forgot to shave today. He looks a bit evil. I’m sure he isn’t but he is no Bob Carlos.

12:34 They should let Pele and Zico play the final 10 minutes of the match. That would make it more interesting than Croatia-Australia for sure.

11:45 Even when Ronaldinho looks mortal he looks special. Ronaldo runs for a few seconds and then gives up on that idea.

10:47 Robinho with a strong shot that is saved by Kawaguchi, who has shown that he is a capable keeper.

10:45 After 2+ games liveblogging Brazil I still think my time would be better served liveblogging their Nike commercials.

9:23 Kaka with a shot that is wide and high. He had no shortage of time to set up and take that one. Japan will be in for a long night if they don’t tighten it up a bit.

7:57 I once went to a game in Japan. I was struck by the number of Brazilians that play in the J-League. The style of play in that league is entertaining. You should give it a look sometime.

6:23 Ronaldo with a move in the box and he gets off the left footed shot that is saved. The big guy working his way into shape? The Japan defense hopes not.

5:45 First backheel from Ronaldinho. Robinho looking active out there. Kaka a bit asleep. I know how he feels. All these games are tiring.

4:56 Apparently there is no German word for “body mass index”. That was just used in reference to Ronaldo. Not in a positive way I assume.

3:45 I faliled to do a good job cleaning my keyboard between games. Still sticky. Brazil cross and Ronaldo rises a cm off the ground to try to head it. Now that was almost effort.

2:03 Early goal from Croatia. Still no score in this game but the game is wide open and I expect to see a few tonight.

1:34 My left eye is seeing yellow and blue. My right eye is seeing yellow and checkers. Japan with a run but it goes for naught.

0:45 Brazil on the attack. This game started three seconds before the other one. The closest coordination I have seen yet.

Kickoff: We’re underway as Brazil looks to close out Group F and Japan hopes to keep its slim hopes of advancing to the next round alive. Thanks as always for joining me for another 90 minutes of finger pounding fun. Your comments are appreciated. Keep them clean, have fun and love one another. We’re all in this together so let’s have a blast.

3 minute countdown: Brazil’s anthem now. I should know the words considering I have heard it three times in the past two weeks. Dida is one good looking guy but I wouldn’t want to karaoake with him.

6 minute countdown: Japan anthem is played. Alex is really singing it. Good for him. Not my favorite anthem but I am sure somewhere someone else has goose bumps right now.

7 minute countdown: Who ate all the pies? Not Ronaldo but the French referee. He looks like a jolly fellow. Players out on the pitch. Brazil in yellow and Japan in blue.

8 minute countdown: The players are getting ready in the tunnel. Just a reminder that you can waste your entire day away by checking out our dueling liveblogs. Peter is holding down the fort with the Croatia-Australia match.

10 minute countdown: Incredible shots of the Brazilian female supporters err.. I mean there is a great atmosphere in Dortmund. Do I have enough time to take a cold shower?

15 minute countdown: There have been no godzilla sightings in Dortmund but will we see Beckenbauer? He was at the Italy-Czech game ealier and that is an easy helicopter flight for the Kaiser. We’ll also keep an eye out for Maradona who is like a rash that won’t go away. Actually, I love his enthusiasm. Just as I type Pele is being interviewed. He is predicting that every team will win the World Cup.

20 minute countdown: They just showed a graphic with Just Fontaine scoring 13 goals in the ‘58 tournament. Amazing. That is one record that will not fall. Ronaldo is still two goals away from Gerd Muller’s all-time record of 14 career World Cup goals. He might get that tonight if he runs a bit.

25 minute countdown: Brazil players joking around and doing magic tricks with the ball while they get ready for the game. I bet it is pretty special for Zico to coach against his country. I’d like Japan’s chances more if he were playing. It is 15C/59F in Dortmund for those of you who don’t have the German Weather Channel at home or work.

30 minute countdown: Your starting lineups. Robinho gets the start but it is Adriano and not Ronaldo who will be on the bench. I’m feeling a bit bloated tonight and I have a feeling watching Ronaldo waltz around isn’t going to help. Bob Carlos also not starting for Brazil.

Brazil
1. Dida, 3. Lucio, 4. Juan, 8. Kaka, 9. Ronaldo, 10. Ronaldinho, 13. Cincinho, 16. Gilberto, 17. Gilberto Silvia, 19. Juninho, 23. Robinho

Japan
23. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, 7. Hidetoshi Nakata, 8. Mitsuo Ogasawara, 10. Shunsuke Nakamura, 11. Seiichiro Maki, 14. Alex, 17. Junichi Inamoto, 19. Keisuke Tsuboi, 20. Keiji Tamada, 21. Akira Kaji, 22. Yuji Nakazawa

40 minute countdown: Here is the significance of this game for both teams. For me, the significance is that this is the 43rd game I will have watched in the past 14 days. 44 if you count the Croatia-Australia match I will watch at the same time as this one. No wonder my eyes are in a constant state of pain. Copious amounts of beer and German chocolate aren’t helping either.

Brazil – The champions have clinched a berth in the final 16 and will win the group with one more point against Japan. Australia could pip Brazil to win the group if Brazil lose to Japan, Australia beat Croatia, and Australia finish with a better goal difference (Brazil +3, Australia 0).

Japan – Can qualify for the Round of 16 with a win over Brazil and a Croatia loss or draw against Australia. Japan can also qualify with a win and a Croatia win if they finish with a better goal difference than Croatia (Croatia currently -1, Japan -2).

50 minute countdown: Japan needs to go for broke in this game. Brazil needs to put on a display that shows they are ready for the next round. The game might not be a knock down drag out affair like Croatia vs. Australia but it could be a wide open match that is fun to watch. This will be my third time liveblogging Brazil. Not sure how the schedule got set up that way but the short one name players are a welcome relief after the Czech-Italy match earlier today.

Pregame: Will Brazil show up to play or is this Japan’s moment to shine?

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