Ticket Price
The TOCOG has announced the outline of Olympics Games ticket.
Needless to say, it's expensive... haha...
The price of the Opening ceremony is 12,000 - 300,000 JPY (108 - 2,709 US$). 300,000 JPY (2,709 US$)!?!?!
The prices of each sport are;
https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/notice/20180720-03.html
I heard that games which are popular among Japanese people and have possibility to get medals tend to be expensive, such as swimming, Gymnastics (Artistic), judo, baseball.
But I'm wondering why Basketball is such expensive? Basketball is not so popular in Japan and not strong at all.
Is it just because NBA players will participate in?
I want to watch swimming and Gymnastics (Artistic) if I can't get a chance to work as a volunteer, both are quite expensive though. And, the opening ceremony is "MUST."
I need to save money for that! haha.
How to Purchase
Notice:
The following information is just for Japan residents.
The TOCOG announced only about domestic sales.
For people living abroad, it just says;
Those living outside of Japan will be able to order their tickets through the National Olympic Committee of their respective country or their authorized ticket reseller. A list of these organisations in each country will be published by next spring on the Tokyo 2020 official website. Ticket prices and the application process will vary from country to country, although the structure will be broadly in line with that for tickets purchased in Japan.
Distributer
The TOCOG sells directly.
Hmm... regarding Olympic ticket sales, there have been many problems. Did the TOCOG regard not using any reseller as the safest way?
The way to purchase
You should register TOKYO 2020 ID and can buy tickets through the site.
I registered in May. My article about that;
https://mytokyoolympics.blogspot.com/search?q=TOKYO+2020+ID
As usual, it is provided only in Japanese language.
The schedule
The spring of 2019: Olympic tickets will be available
The summer of 2019: Paralympic tickets will be available
The spring of 2020: You will receive the tickets you purchase.
*It plans to sell tickets through ticket stores in 2020.
As usual, Japan is far from "Globalization."
As well as TOKYO 2020 ID, the TOCOG provided the ticket information site only in Japanese.
Although it is only for domestic residents, domestic residents include many non-Japanese and some of them don't speak Japanese.
How unfriendly and thoughtless and narrow-minded it is!
until Tokyo Olympics
Jul 31, 2018
Jul 30, 2018
Win the lottery for volunteer of RWC Japan 2019
As I wrote before, I've applied to be a volunteer for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
My article;
http://mytokyoolympics.blogspot.com/search/label/RWC%202019%20Japan
Because too many people have applied for Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture volunteers, the lottery was conducted before interviews. It's an extremely low probability of wining the lottery. So I didn't expect to win.
Today was the day for the announcement of the lottery.
I signed in the ”My Page" and... found the word "Wining." Oh----------!!!!!
Of course, it doesn't mean that I was selected as a volunteer. I just got the right to move on to an interview. But I'm SO happy for now.
The interviews for Tokyo volunteers will be conducted in the mid of December.
I wonder how much the application ratio for the 2020 Olympics. The probability to be selected would be much lower?
My article;
http://mytokyoolympics.blogspot.com/search/label/RWC%202019%20Japan
Because too many people have applied for Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture volunteers, the lottery was conducted before interviews. It's an extremely low probability of wining the lottery. So I didn't expect to win.
Today was the day for the announcement of the lottery.
I signed in the ”My Page" and... found the word "Wining." Oh----------!!!!!
Of course, it doesn't mean that I was selected as a volunteer. I just got the right to move on to an interview. But I'm SO happy for now.
The interviews for Tokyo volunteers will be conducted in the mid of December.
I wonder how much the application ratio for the 2020 Olympics. The probability to be selected would be much lower?
Jul 27, 2018
The summary of the torch relay
The route of the torch relay has decided.
It will start on 26th March 2020 from Fukushima where is the quake and tsunami-stricken region .
And it will go through all the 47 prefectures.
The detailed schedule that shows when to come through each prefecture;
https://tokyo2020.org/en/games/torch
It will start on 26th March 2020 from Fukushima where is the quake and tsunami-stricken region .
And it will go through all the 47 prefectures.
(frm: https://mainichi.jp/english)
The detailed schedule that shows when to come through each prefecture;
https://tokyo2020.org/en/games/torch
Jul 26, 2018
The Volunteer Site has opened.
Here it is the special volunteer site.
https://tokyo2020.org/en/special/volunteer/
In the end, there are 9 roles.
- Guidance
- Events
- Mobility Support
- Personal Support
- Operational Support
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Media
- Ceremonies
So far, I'm interested in "Events", "Operational Support" and "Ceremonies."
I want to support athletes and people who help athletes rather than VIPs and spectators.
I don't know why, but any requirement for each role isn't indicated.
I'm wondering if the detailed requirement is not decided yet.
The application process is;
The acceptance of application will start in the middle of September.
https://tokyo2020.org/en/special/volunteer/
In the end, there are 9 roles.
- Guidance
- Events
- Mobility Support
- Personal Support
- Operational Support
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Media
- Ceremonies
So far, I'm interested in "Events", "Operational Support" and "Ceremonies."
I want to support athletes and people who help athletes rather than VIPs and spectators.
I don't know why, but any requirement for each role isn't indicated.
I'm wondering if the detailed requirement is not decided yet.
The application process is;
(frm: https://tokyo2020.org/en/special/volunteer)
The acceptance of application will start in the middle of September.
Jul 24, 2018
2 years to go!
2 years from today, the opening ceremony will be held.
So many events were held around Japan today.
The application guideline for volunteers is going to be announced at the end of this month.
So many events were held around Japan today.
(frm: https://tokyo2020.org)
The application guideline for volunteers is going to be announced at the end of this month.
Jul 22, 2018
The Mascots Official Debut
It's been 5 months since the mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were decided.
My article at the time;
https://mytokyoolympics.blogspot.com/2018/03/tokyo-2020-olympic-mascots-were-unveiled.html
Today, their names were revealed.
Left: Olympic Mascot MIRAITOWA
MIRAI means "future" and TOWA means "eternity."
Right: Paralympic Mascot SOMEITY
It's a combination of an English word "so mighty" and "someiyoshino" which is representative cherry blossoms of Japan.
Then, the official licensed products of the mascots arrived in stores today.
The Official Online Ship (Japanese site)
My article at the time;
https://mytokyoolympics.blogspot.com/2018/03/tokyo-2020-olympic-mascots-were-unveiled.html
Today, their names were revealed.
(frm: https://tokyo2020.org)
Left: Olympic Mascot MIRAITOWA
MIRAI means "future" and TOWA means "eternity."
Right: Paralympic Mascot SOMEITY
It's a combination of an English word "so mighty" and "someiyoshino" which is representative cherry blossoms of Japan.
Then, the official licensed products of the mascots arrived in stores today.
The Official Online Ship (Japanese site)
Jul 21, 2018
The most serious concern for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
In Japan, TV news everyday keep saying "Take precautions against heatstroke!"
Extremely scorching hot humid weather is continuing.
During the week of 9th this month, 9,956 people were taken to the hospital due to heatstroke throughout Japan. Only in Tokyo, 704 people.
On the 18th Wednesday, 2,065 people were taken to the hospital for only one day.
On this day alone, 8 people died of heatstroke.
In Tokyo, 14 people died of heatstroke this month.
The exercise guideline for heatstroke precaution by the Japan Sports Association set on 4 classifications, Safety, Caution, Alert, Heightened Alert, Stop exercise.
Everyday, "Stop exercise" level.
Is it a sane idea to hold the Olympic games during such terrible season?
It's obvious that astonishing number of people would be taken to the hospital and even not a few people might die.
The newspaper of South Korea says;
"It's expected that athletes would play in murderous extreme heat in the Tokyo Olympics"
Yes, it's definitely murderous.
Working as a volunteer is something like a brush with death?
Extremely scorching hot humid weather is continuing.
During the week of 9th this month, 9,956 people were taken to the hospital due to heatstroke throughout Japan. Only in Tokyo, 704 people.
On the 18th Wednesday, 2,065 people were taken to the hospital for only one day.
On this day alone, 8 people died of heatstroke.
In Tokyo, 14 people died of heatstroke this month.
The exercise guideline for heatstroke precaution by the Japan Sports Association set on 4 classifications, Safety, Caution, Alert, Heightened Alert, Stop exercise.
Everyday, "Stop exercise" level.
Is it a sane idea to hold the Olympic games during such terrible season?
It's obvious that astonishing number of people would be taken to the hospital and even not a few people might die.
The newspaper of South Korea says;
"It's expected that athletes would play in murderous extreme heat in the Tokyo Olympics"
Yes, it's definitely murderous.
Working as a volunteer is something like a brush with death?
Jul 20, 2018
Swift passage of time
When I first got interested in the World football was the 1998 World Cup France.
20 years have already passed since them.
In this world cup, there are many young players who played outstandingly, such as Harry Kane (England) and Kylian Mbappé (France).
When they were kids, they met football players who were their idols, like many other boys.
Mbappé boy and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kane boy attended the football school run by David Beckham.
Surprisingly, the girl with her hair in braids is now kane's wife!!!!!
For Kane, Beckham is his idol when he was a kid, but for me, Beckham is the player who played until quite recently.
Even Ronaldo is still an active player.
Those kids are now active professional players.
Time flies and I feel the passage of time.
Just before the final game, two people carried the World Cup trophy as presenters.
The TV reporter said the men was the legend of German football, but I thought I didn't know of him, and so I thought he was older generation.
However, after finishing the trophy present event, I got to know that he was Philipp Lahm! I know him very well since he first attended the World Cup, which was the 2006 in Germany.
At that time, I chose my own awards and selected him as the New Face Award. Haha. He was 22 years old.
My article in another blog.
https://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/my-general-comment-on-2006-world-cup.html
That young player became the captain of the German national team after that, and won the championship at the previous World Cup in Brazil, as many people know.
The 22-year-old young guy is now considered as the legend and looks quite old (haha).
Time flies and I feel the passage of time again.
20 years have already passed since them.
In this world cup, there are many young players who played outstandingly, such as Harry Kane (England) and Kylian Mbappé (France).
When they were kids, they met football players who were their idols, like many other boys.
Mbappé boy and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
(frm: http://www.kosovapress.com)
Kane boy attended the football school run by David Beckham.
Oh, Beckham is very young!
(frm: http://www.leparisien.fr)
Surprisingly, the girl with her hair in braids is now kane's wife!!!!!
For Kane, Beckham is his idol when he was a kid, but for me, Beckham is the player who played until quite recently.
Even Ronaldo is still an active player.
Those kids are now active professional players.
Time flies and I feel the passage of time.
Just before the final game, two people carried the World Cup trophy as presenters.
Trophy in the Louis Vuitton case
(frm: https://www.fashionsnap.com)
The TV reporter said the men was the legend of German football, but I thought I didn't know of him, and so I thought he was older generation.
However, after finishing the trophy present event, I got to know that he was Philipp Lahm! I know him very well since he first attended the World Cup, which was the 2006 in Germany.
At that time, I chose my own awards and selected him as the New Face Award. Haha. He was 22 years old.
My article in another blog.
https://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/my-general-comment-on-2006-world-cup.html
That young player became the captain of the German national team after that, and won the championship at the previous World Cup in Brazil, as many people know.
The 22-year-old young guy is now considered as the legend and looks quite old (haha).
Time flies and I feel the passage of time again.
Jul 18, 2018
Orgiastic French people
French President Macron got too excited!
At the final game, there were Russian President Putin, Croatian President Kitarović, President of IOC Bach... etc. VIPs were in the VIP room, however...
French President Macron was too excited and showed this performance.
Haha! That's not the place to stand, President Macron! Funny!
Croatian President Kitarović was not outdone!
The French players burst into the press conference.
After winning the championship, the manager of the French team Deschamps was attending the press conference.
Then, the French players burst into and started to spray champagne to Deschamps!
That's not the place to stand either! Haha.
There isn't any more common sense and order there. Haha!
French people rampaged through the town.
After France won the championship, the Champs-Elysees in France became a big deal.
Too many people!
Too----- many people!!
It would happen in any countries.
But, some people rampaged, vandalized and looted stores,,,,,
I saw one store (or restaurant?) which was destroyed and looted on the TV news.
It was terribly destroyed. I don't think it's possible for the store to reopen.
What I saw on the TV was much worse than the bellow.
President Macron, you have much more important things than being too excited.
Your people are...
At the final game, there were Russian President Putin, Croatian President Kitarović, President of IOC Bach... etc. VIPs were in the VIP room, however...
French President Macron was too excited and showed this performance.
Haha! That's not the place to stand, President Macron! Funny!
(frm: https://twilab.org)
Croatian President Kitarović was not outdone!
(frm: https://courrier.jp)
The French players burst into the press conference.
After winning the championship, the manager of the French team Deschamps was attending the press conference.
Then, the French players burst into and started to spray champagne to Deschamps!
(frm: https://www.huffingtonpost.jp)
That's not the place to stand either! Haha.
(frm: https://www.footballchannel.jp)
There isn't any more common sense and order there. Haha!
French people rampaged through the town.
After France won the championship, the Champs-Elysees in France became a big deal.
Too many people!
(frm: http://www.chunichi.co.jp)
Too----- many people!!
(frm: https://omoganews.com)
It would happen in any countries.
But, some people rampaged, vandalized and looted stores,,,,,
(frm: https://www.bbc.com)
(frm: https://www.asahi.com)
I saw one store (or restaurant?) which was destroyed and looted on the TV news.
It was terribly destroyed. I don't think it's possible for the store to reopen.
What I saw on the TV was much worse than the bellow.
(frm: http://jin115.com)
President Macron, you have much more important things than being too excited.
Your people are...
Jul 16, 2018
The 2018 World Cup has finished.
(frm: https://www.theguardian.com)
Golden Ball Award: Luka Modric (Croatia)
Young Player Award: Kylian Mbappe (France)
I think nobody complains those selection.
left: Modric without smile, Right: Mbappe
(frm: http://saudigazette.com.sa)
Modric never showed his smile during the ceremony. The ceremony was just after the final he lost.
I recalled the similar scene.
Messi won the Golden Ball at the last World Cup in Brazil. He never showed his smile either because of the same reason, it was just after the final he lost.
My article about that;
Golden Glove Award: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
Many goalkeepers showed great performance in this World Cup. And I think I said the same thing at the last World Cup.
And, yes, Courtois was great and deserved the award.
Coutois and the Belgium players with the bronze medal
(frm: https://www.eurosport.com)
Golden Boot Award: Harry Kane (England) - 6 goals
I'm really happy that such a great player exists in the England team.
I have a high expectations of this young guy and the young England team!
Fair Play Trophy: Spain
I don't know well about this award, but it seems to be given to a team which has fewer yellow/red cards and fouls.
The Final: Croatia vs. France
I wanted Croatia to win, but France won the championship. The final was 4 - 2.
France was stable.
Croatia went into extra time three games in a row before the final, so it was said that they would change some players for the final. However, they didn't. They chose to play the final with their best members.
Although Croatia players were worn out, they played very well.
France's first goal was Croatia's own goal. Their second goal was PK, because the ball accidentally hit a Croatian player's hand.
Given those facts, I think it can safely be said that Croatia and France played evenly.
Griezmann is definitely the pillar of the France team and led the squad very well.
Congratulations, France!!
France was stable.
Croatia went into extra time three games in a row before the final, so it was said that they would change some players for the final. However, they didn't. They chose to play the final with their best members.
Although Croatia players were worn out, they played very well.
France's first goal was Croatia's own goal. Their second goal was PK, because the ball accidentally hit a Croatian player's hand.
Given those facts, I think it can safely be said that Croatia and France played evenly.
Griezmann is definitely the pillar of the France team and led the squad very well.
Griezmann with the trophy and his daughter he dotes on
(frm: https://www.deccanherald.com)
Congratulations, France!!
(frm: https://newsclick.in)
Jul 15, 2018
The 3rd-place match: England vs. Belgium
0 - 2.
Ah---, I have to write about England’s defeat two times in a row...
Just 3 days after the draining duel with Croatia, England obviously was exhausted.
Also, one article said that England would play with the 2nd squad due to injuries to key players and mental (?) problems.
For details;
https://sivpost.com/media-england-match-for-third-place-in-the-2018-world-cup-will-play-with-the-second-squad-news-zik-ua/7976/
I think it was a complete defeat. Belgium was strong as everyone knows.
One article I read the other day said that British people expected the England team to show great performance at the next World Cup Qatar. I understand they think so because the England team is very young.
However, they did very well even this time!
I'm looking forward to see the England team win the championship at the 2022 World Cup Qatar!!
And, congratulations Belgium for the 3rd place!
Ah---, I have to write about England’s defeat two times in a row...
Just 3 days after the draining duel with Croatia, England obviously was exhausted.
Also, one article said that England would play with the 2nd squad due to injuries to key players and mental (?) problems.
For details;
https://sivpost.com/media-england-match-for-third-place-in-the-2018-world-cup-will-play-with-the-second-squad-news-zik-ua/7976/
I think it was a complete defeat. Belgium was strong as everyone knows.
One article I read the other day said that British people expected the England team to show great performance at the next World Cup Qatar. I understand they think so because the England team is very young.
However, they did very well even this time!
I'm looking forward to see the England team win the championship at the 2022 World Cup Qatar!!
England squad
(frm: https://www.soccer-king.jp)
And, congratulations Belgium for the 3rd place!
(frm: https://www.irishtimes.com)
The Semifinals: England vs. Croatia
England was defeated... 1 -2 in extra time. Real pity...
It was a draining duel. Especially Croatia went into extra time 3 games in a row. So they must have been worn out. Even Modrić, who is the captain and the pillar of the Croatia team, botched a ball several times. However, they were playing strongly.
Croatia advanced to the semifinals for the first time in 20 years.
I remember very well when Croatia placed the 3rd at the 1998 World Cup France.
At that time, Boban, who was the ace and the captain, led the team. Croatia was very good team and defeated Japan in the Group league, it was the Japan's first world cup.
This time, Modrić is leading the team and Croatia reached the final for the first time ever. Congratulations!
It was a draining duel. Especially Croatia went into extra time 3 games in a row. So they must have been worn out. Even Modrić, who is the captain and the pillar of the Croatia team, botched a ball several times. However, they were playing strongly.
Modrić playing in the game vs. England
(frm: http://www.goal.com/jp)
Croatia advanced to the semifinals for the first time in 20 years.
I remember very well when Croatia placed the 3rd at the 1998 World Cup France.
At that time, Boban, who was the ace and the captain, led the team. Croatia was very good team and defeated Japan in the Group league, it was the Japan's first world cup.
This time, Modrić is leading the team and Croatia reached the final for the first time ever. Congratulations!
Jul 11, 2018
The Semifinals: France vs. Belgium
Belgium was really a strong team, but France won 1 -0.
According to some article, some players of Belgium criticized France's too defensive playing style.
Anyway, how can Mbappé run so fast?
France is able to be too offensive because they have too fast counter attack by Mbappé?
In 4 hours from now, another semifinals England vs. Croatia will starts!
It will be 3am in Japan. I'm going to take a catnap and then, I'll watch it!
According to some article, some players of Belgium criticized France's too defensive playing style.
Anyway, how can Mbappé run so fast?
France is able to be too offensive because they have too fast counter attack by Mbappé?
In 4 hours from now, another semifinals England vs. Croatia will starts!
It will be 3am in Japan. I'm going to take a catnap and then, I'll watch it!
Jul 9, 2018
England made the Final Four!!
England advanced to the semifinals!!
I've been cheering for England for a long time and it's the first time that England reached the semifinals since I started cheering for them.
Actually, I hardly knew the players of the current England national team.
After the players who had been the pillars of the England team, such as Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, etc. retired from the national team, I had been having the end-of-an-era feeling.
And! the new era has come!
The current national team is very young. And the pillar and ace is Harry Kane. Although he is still 24 years old, he is the captain.
He currently scored most. He can aim at the Golden Boot, or even the Golden Ball?!
But, he is not the only talented player in the England team. In fact, although he didn't get a goal in the last game, vs. Sweden, England won. Especially, the GREAT performance of the goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wowed me! He was elected as the Man of the Match, needless to say.
Their next game, the semifinals, will be vs. Croatia. Go for it!!
I've been cheering for England for a long time and it's the first time that England reached the semifinals since I started cheering for them.
Actually, I hardly knew the players of the current England national team.
After the players who had been the pillars of the England team, such as Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, etc. retired from the national team, I had been having the end-of-an-era feeling.
And! the new era has come!
The current national team is very young. And the pillar and ace is Harry Kane. Although he is still 24 years old, he is the captain.
(frm: http://www.goal.com)
But, he is not the only talented player in the England team. In fact, although he didn't get a goal in the last game, vs. Sweden, England won. Especially, the GREAT performance of the goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wowed me! He was elected as the Man of the Match, needless to say.
(frm: https://www.express.co.uk)
The team members celebrating Pickford's great saving
(frm: https://www.soccer-king.jp)
Jul 7, 2018
The Final Eight
England reached the Final Eight. Good, good!
The strongest favorite is, I guess, Belgium.
Young players have become an adult??
I didn't mention him in my previous article about the Denmark team, but the ace of the Denmark national team now is definitely Christian Eriksensen.
One TV program introduced him couple days ago and it also talked about him playing in the 2010 World Cup South Africa.
When I saw its video, I was so--- surprised!
This is Eriksen with Denmark’s coach Morten Olsen at the 2010 World Cup.
I remember this young guy very well!!! Probably he was 18 years old and the youngest player in the 2010 World Cup.
He is him?!?!?! Different at all!!
I said in my previous article that I first didn't recognize Kjaer.
After 8 years, these talented young guys came back to World Cup becoming an adult? haha.
(frm: https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com)
When I saw its video, I was so--- surprised!
This is Eriksen with Denmark’s coach Morten Olsen at the 2010 World Cup.
(frm: https://www.shoot.co.uk)
I remember this young guy very well!!! Probably he was 18 years old and the youngest player in the 2010 World Cup.
He is him?!?!?! Different at all!!
I said in my previous article that I first didn't recognize Kjaer.
After 8 years, these talented young guys came back to World Cup becoming an adult? haha.
Jul 3, 2018
Denmark
I always cheer for England and Denmark.
Denmark couldn't attend the previous World Cup Brasil. The last time they attended was the 2010 World Cup South Africa.
At that time, I took notice of one talented Danish defender, Simon Kjaer.
He was still 21 years old.
Here is my article about him on my old blog.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2010/06/sleeping-until-game-denmark-vs-japan.html
I also saw the Denmark team at the EURO 2012.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2012/06/euro-2012-wow-wow-wow-denmark-almost.html
Then, he came back to the World Cup becoming Denmark's captain!
Actually I first didn't recognize him as Kjaer. No wonder. The last time, he was 21-year-old very young guy.
Although Denmark advanced to the Knockout Stage, they were defeated by Croatia.
It was a very good game, 1 - 1, on PK 3 - 4.
The defense of Denmark is great and Kjaer is the pillar of that. And, the greatest thing of their solid defense is its goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel.
I was very surprised to hear that his father, Peter Schmeichel was one of the best Goalkeepers of the 20th century and he was also playing in the Denmark national team!
Denmark couldn't attend the previous World Cup Brasil. The last time they attended was the 2010 World Cup South Africa.
At that time, I took notice of one talented Danish defender, Simon Kjaer.
He was still 21 years old.
Here is my article about him on my old blog.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2010/06/sleeping-until-game-denmark-vs-japan.html
I also saw the Denmark team at the EURO 2012.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2012/06/euro-2012-wow-wow-wow-denmark-almost.html
Then, he came back to the World Cup becoming Denmark's captain!
(frm: http://www.cameroonintelligencereport.com)
Actually I first didn't recognize him as Kjaer. No wonder. The last time, he was 21-year-old very young guy.
Although Denmark advanced to the Knockout Stage, they were defeated by Croatia.
It was a very good game, 1 - 1, on PK 3 - 4.
The defense of Denmark is great and Kjaer is the pillar of that. And, the greatest thing of their solid defense is its goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel.
(frm: https://www.theintelligencer.com)
I was very surprised to hear that his father, Peter Schmeichel was one of the best Goalkeepers of the 20th century and he was also playing in the Denmark national team!
Big-name stars have already left.
As I wrote in the previous article, Spain was defeated, and Iniesta's World Cup ended.
Spanish Spar Star, Iniesta announced his retirement from the Spain's national team.
Iniesta, Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal).....
Big-name starts have left the World Cup Russia. They and Germany team must have aimed the Champion, but in the end, they even were not able to reach the final eight.
Actually Iniesta will move to a Japanese team and play in the Japan's league "J league,” with INCREDIBLE EXCEPTIONAL pay.
I'm wondering why he decided to play in such a low level league, but Japanese football fans are very excited that one of the top players in the world will come to Japan!
Spanish Spar Star, Iniesta announced his retirement from the Spain's national team.
Iniesta, Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal).....
Big-name starts have left the World Cup Russia. They and Germany team must have aimed the Champion, but in the end, they even were not able to reach the final eight.
Actually Iniesta will move to a Japanese team and play in the Japan's league "J league,” with INCREDIBLE EXCEPTIONAL pay.
I'm wondering why he decided to play in such a low level league, but Japanese football fans are very excited that one of the top players in the world will come to Japan!
Russia is doing a great job!
Although the FIFA ranking of Russia is the 70th, they got through the Group Stage.
It worked out as planned, didn't it?
In the FIFA World Cup, the host nation must advance to the Knockout Stage. Otherwise, the event would be considered as failure. In fact, there hasn't been a host nation which wasn't able to get through the Group Stage.
The draw is always fixed. The Group A this time was quite easy group.
It's true for the 2002 World Cup Korea / Japan.
Japan was in a easy group and able to advance to the Knockout Stage.
So, I wasn't surprised that Russia won the Group Stage.
However...
Russia defeated Spain in the Knockout Stage!!
1 - 1 and Russia won on PK 4 - 3.
The most significant scene, if you ask me, was this;
Russia's Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved Spain's 5th shot on PK.
He jumped to the right, but the kicker shot to the middle. Oops! However, although his body was already on the right side, he saved the shot with his left foot. Amazing!!
He was chosen as Man of the Match.
It worked out as planned, didn't it?
In the FIFA World Cup, the host nation must advance to the Knockout Stage. Otherwise, the event would be considered as failure. In fact, there hasn't been a host nation which wasn't able to get through the Group Stage.
The draw is always fixed. The Group A this time was quite easy group.
It's true for the 2002 World Cup Korea / Japan.
Japan was in a easy group and able to advance to the Knockout Stage.
So, I wasn't surprised that Russia won the Group Stage.
However...
Russia defeated Spain in the Knockout Stage!!
1 - 1 and Russia won on PK 4 - 3.
The most significant scene, if you ask me, was this;
(frm: https://www.asahi.com)
Russia's Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved Spain's 5th shot on PK.
He jumped to the right, but the kicker shot to the middle. Oops! However, although his body was already on the right side, he saved the shot with his left foot. Amazing!!
He was chosen as Man of the Match.
Jul 2, 2018
Messi and Mbappé
France vs. Argentina.
It is not the final match. It's the first game of the Knockout Stage. haha.
France won by 4 - 3. Messi's World Cup Russia finished, I wanted to see his performance more though.
Although he has been getting many kinds of titles and awards, he can't get only the World Cup championship.
There is no doubt that he is the best of the best in the football history.
He is 31 years old. I wonder if this is the last World Cup for him.
An incredibly talented player might leave the World Cup, and at the same time, another incredibly talented player has appeared.
It's Mbappé who is France's forward.
Although he is still 19 hears old, he got No. 10 of the France's national team.
And, yes, he was surprisingly great in the game vs. Argentina.
It is not the final match. It's the first game of the Knockout Stage. haha.
France won by 4 - 3. Messi's World Cup Russia finished, I wanted to see his performance more though.
Messi being stunned after the game
(frm: https://article.auone.jp)
Although he has been getting many kinds of titles and awards, he can't get only the World Cup championship.
There is no doubt that he is the best of the best in the football history.
He is 31 years old. I wonder if this is the last World Cup for him.
An incredibly talented player might leave the World Cup, and at the same time, another incredibly talented player has appeared.
It's Mbappé who is France's forward.
Although he is still 19 hears old, he got No. 10 of the France's national team.
And, yes, he was surprisingly great in the game vs. Argentina.
Messi and Mbappé after the game
(frm: http://www.soccerdigestweb.com)
Jul 1, 2018
One of the worst games - Japan team
Japan unexpectedly moved on the Round 16.
However, their last game in the Group H, vs Poland was the most terrible game I have ever seen.
They needed to win the game to proceed to the Round 16, but they were 1 goal behind.
Another game in the Group H, Columbia vs. Senegal, Senegal was also 1 goal behind Columbia. In this point, Columbia was the 1st place and Senegal and Japan were... the points, the goal difference, and even scored goals were the same. The direct match was a draw. Japan exceeded on only the fair play points which is the number of yellow and red cards.
Then, Japan stopped to try to win. I can say Japan stopped playing soccer. They tried hard not to get a yellow card and just kicked a ball each other in the small space to buy time.
Buying time is often seen in football games, but I have never seen this bad. It continued about 10 minutes! For this 10 minutes, booing became bigger and bigger. I also never heard such big and long booing.
In the end, although the game wasn't over, one of the Poland players sit on the ground because Japan never crossed over a halfway line.
In the highest football event, I didn't want to see such a terrible scene, and it was played by Japan...
Shame on you, Japan!
However, their last game in the Group H, vs Poland was the most terrible game I have ever seen.
They needed to win the game to proceed to the Round 16, but they were 1 goal behind.
Another game in the Group H, Columbia vs. Senegal, Senegal was also 1 goal behind Columbia. In this point, Columbia was the 1st place and Senegal and Japan were... the points, the goal difference, and even scored goals were the same. The direct match was a draw. Japan exceeded on only the fair play points which is the number of yellow and red cards.
Then, Japan stopped to try to win. I can say Japan stopped playing soccer. They tried hard not to get a yellow card and just kicked a ball each other in the small space to buy time.
Buying time is often seen in football games, but I have never seen this bad. It continued about 10 minutes! For this 10 minutes, booing became bigger and bigger. I also never heard such big and long booing.
In the end, although the game wasn't over, one of the Poland players sit on the ground because Japan never crossed over a halfway line.
In the highest football event, I didn't want to see such a terrible scene, and it was played by Japan...
Shame on you, Japan!
Needs top referees for the top world games
Watching the games in the Group Stage, I felt that judges by some referees were strange.
Especially, Portugal vs. Morocco in the Group B, I thought that the referee obviously judged in favor of Portugal and was very unfair.
I found that my thought was not wrong.
After the game, the Morocco's head coach Hervé Renard said in the press conference, "Morocco had been victim to a total injustice," "When you look at the facts in the Portugal game, it's totally unfair."
The World Cup is one of the top level world events. They should use top level referees.
By the way, Morocco's head coach Hervé Renard became a bit of hop topic in Japan as a good-looking middle age. haha.
Especially, Portugal vs. Morocco in the Group B, I thought that the referee obviously judged in favor of Portugal and was very unfair.
I found that my thought was not wrong.
After the game, the Morocco's head coach Hervé Renard said in the press conference, "Morocco had been victim to a total injustice," "When you look at the facts in the Portugal game, it's totally unfair."
The World Cup is one of the top level world events. They should use top level referees.
By the way, Morocco's head coach Hervé Renard became a bit of hop topic in Japan as a good-looking middle age. haha.
49-year-old Morocco coach, Hervé Renard
(frm: https://citizen.co.za)
The defending champion Germany was knocked out!
Surprisingly! Germany which won the previous World Cup Brazil wasn't able to move on the Round of 16 and left from the World Cup Russia.
They lost their first game, vs. Mexico. Many people must have been surprised, but I think they still believed that Germany would proceed to the Round of 16.
In fact, they won the next game, vs. Sweden.
However, the 3rd game, vs. Korea, they lost even 2 points (goals?) in the additional time!!!!
By the way, Korea's guts always surprise me.
They lost their first game, vs. Mexico. Many people must have been surprised, but I think they still believed that Germany would proceed to the Round of 16.
In fact, they won the next game, vs. Sweden.
However, the 3rd game, vs. Korea, they lost even 2 points (goals?) in the additional time!!!!
Oh my gosh! German players putting their head in their hands
(frm: https://guardian.ng)
By the way, Korea's guts always surprise me.
World Cup Russia has started.
The World Cup Russia started on 14th June and the Group Stage has finished. The results are;
(frm: https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-2018)
Applying to be a volunteer for RWC Japan 2019
The Rugby World Cup 2019 will be held in Japan and it is recruiting volunteers.
I've applied for it.
The next step is interviews which will be held from this autumn to winter. Screening will not be conducted.
However... it seems to be unlikely to move on the interview phase, because...
The games will take place in 12 venues around Japan and you should choose which venue(s) you want to work when you apply to be a volunteer.
I've chose Tokyo, of course.
I've received the email and it said that applicants for Tokyo and Yokohama substantially exceeded the recruitment numbers. The deadline of recruiting is 18th July. Probably the number of applicants for the Tokyo venue is going to increase.
In this case, not everybody can proceed to the interviews and people who can proceed to it will be chosen by a lottery.
It's a crying shame.
I've applied for it.
The next step is interviews which will be held from this autumn to winter. Screening will not be conducted.
However... it seems to be unlikely to move on the interview phase, because...
The games will take place in 12 venues around Japan and you should choose which venue(s) you want to work when you apply to be a volunteer.
I've chose Tokyo, of course.
I've received the email and it said that applicants for Tokyo and Yokohama substantially exceeded the recruitment numbers. The deadline of recruiting is 18th July. Probably the number of applicants for the Tokyo venue is going to increase.
In this case, not everybody can proceed to the interviews and people who can proceed to it will be chosen by a lottery.
It's a crying shame.
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