The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
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This was a game that was better than the scoreline suggests, with both teams playing in a positive fashion.

A clumsy challenge from Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, on Glasgow Rangers Dado Prso, gave Croatia an opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot, but Darijo Srna's penalty was brilliantly saved by Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, springing low to his left. Croatia came close to scoring again, when Niko Kranjcar rattled the bar with a 30 yard rocket. Japan's only real threat in the first half came from Hidetoshi Nakata's long range effort, which was well saved by Stipe Pletikosa.

Japan should have taken the lead early in the second half. After a good move, Atsushi Yanagisawa somehow failed to finish when in front of an open goal - much to Japan coach Zico's anguish. Croatia had many attacks in the second half, but didn't really work the Japanese 'keeper.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.