Reality checks for Japan and USA

PETALING JAYA: Asia’s top team and the main hosts were already through, but both conceded late goals to dampen hopes of a deep run in the competition after flying starts by both the Blue Samurai and the United States.

There were stirring comebacks by Ecuador, whose winner against Germany was one of the moments of the World Cup, and Turkey, who shocked the Americans at the death.

Elsewhere, Netherlands roundly defeated an already-ousted Tunisia while Australia and Paraguay shared the spoils in a goalless draw.

Here are five things from today’s round of matches — and three more.

1. Reality check for Japan

They are through to the knockout stage for the third time in a row. They warmed up with wins over Brazil and England. And after South Korea’s disaster yesterday, they stood alone as Asia’s undisputed top football nation.

But there was no disguising the disappointment after the draw with Sweden.

It had been going so well. A beautifully crafted team goal, finished by Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, reflected the Blue Samurai’s superiority.

But a brilliant strike out of the blue by Sweden’s Anthony Elanga changed the game.

The Swedes would be the happier side as they’re not going home. For Japan, another sobering thought is that they face Brazil next. The five-time winners are a different team in the World Cup.

2 …and for the US!

The last-kick winner for Turkey couldn’t dent real progress by Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

After initial doubts about their quality — and unity at the last World Cup — they have come together and earned their place in the knock-out phase.

Sebastian Berhalter’s equaliser against Turkey further cemented the renewed bonds after Gio Reyna had found the net in the 4-1 win over Paraguay.

The two teammates have shaken hands and buried the hatchet after their families had an infamous falling out. It was enough to rock the US’s World Cup campaign in 2022.

And Christian Pulisic, who many regard as the country’s greatest footballer, also returned after injury — as a late substitute to universal acclaim. He didn’t quite make the dream entrance, though, hitting the post to bring a great save from Ugurcan Cakir. But at least the team has come together and won over its fans.

3 Yes, we Kaan!

Kaan Ayhan’s last-kick winner against the USA took the shine off a glittering Hollywood evening in Los Angeles. But it was nothing if not deserved.

Turkey showed immense spirit to come back from an early goal when their entire campaign looked to be in ruins. They were without a point and in disarray.

But, inspired by Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, they went toe-to-toe with the home side and restored their pride.

It may not save head coach Vincenzo Montella’s job, but it showed the team can perform on the big stage.

Earlier, Turkish fans had been outraged by the performances and preparation for the tournament, demanding that heads should roll.

4. Ecuador snatch glory from Neuer’s grasp

There are 495 combinations for third-placed teams to qualify for the knock-out phase. But toe-poking it from Manuel Neuer’s grasp was not one of them.

However, Flamengo’s Gonzalo Plata did just that to beat Germany and give a lift-off to 55,000 Ecuador fans who’d already turned the MetLife Stadium into a giant yellow spaceship.

It was one of the tournament’s great moments and a massive relief for Ecuador’s Golden Generation.

Dark horses after qualifying ahead of Brazil, the small South American nation’s team is littered with EPL stars.

But after losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curacao, it was in danger of an early exit. A goal down after two minutes here, they showed their mettle with a rousing and deserved victory to secure second place.

5. Germany still feeling old wounds

We thought Germany were back. A ruthless 7-1 hammering of Curacao suggested the four-time winners had put recent failures behind them. But not on this evidence.

They were lacklustre where Ecuador were vibrant, and coach Julian Nagelsmann is still trying to get his first-choice starting XI accustomed to each other.

But it looked like some were still feeling the effects of old wounds. Manuel Neuer from his skiing accident. Jamal Musiala from the Club World Cup. Florian Wirtz from his season with Liverpool. Ecuador brushed them aside.

6. Nil-nil, but no suspicions!

When you see a 0-0 scoreline, there might be suspicions that the Paraguay-Australia match might have echoes of the infamous West Germany-Austria peace deal in 1982.

But this was no such thing. It was hard-fought right to the end and nothing like that shameful episode when the two countries made a pact to share the spoils and ensure that Algeria could not advance.

So the Socceroos have done themselves and their coach Tony Popovic proud with a typically determined showing.

Having already qualified despite the loss to the USA, Australia have advanced yet again. And to be fair to both countries, neither is known for scoring many goals.

7. Fifa can do, and charge, what it likes

The sight of another packed and passionate stadium must be music to the ears of Fifa president, Gianni Infantino.

Football’s governing body is raking it in on a scale not previously dreamed of. With all three host nations in the knockout phase, the estimated US$9 billion profit could well be exceeded.

After all the fuss about extortionate prices, Fifa knows that fans will pay up – once in a lifetime is an irresistible selling point.

On top of that, there’s the sound of widespread booing for the hydration breaks – but to Fifa, it doesn’t mask the clatter of cash cascading into its pockets.

An estimated US$250 million in advertising revenue for seven hours and 40 minutes throughout the tournament. You just know this will be extended and the game will become one of four quarters. Or will that be hung, drawn and quartered?

8. Tournament players

World Cups often throw up players who might be so-so for their clubs, but suddenly shine under the global spotlight. Anthony Elanga joined the list with his equaliser and pace for Sweden.

Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo is a hero for his country, yet many Liverpool fans wanted him dropped by his club last season. They signed him after he scored a Dutch record of three goals in the group stage in 2014.

Colombia’s James Rodriguez looked like a superstar in the making at the 2014 tournament, but flopped badly at Everton and Real Madrid.

But the daddy of them all has to be Miroslav Klose. Never more than decent at club level, he racked up 16 goals in four World Cups, a record that Messi has only just broken.