Trouble in the Box (8/5)

UPSTAIRS REVISED ENTERTAINMENT ROOM, HOME, CA - Group A teams 1A-Switzerland and 2A-Norway had lots of trouble clearing balls in the box as 2C-Spain scored all six goals in their 5-1 win over SUI and 1C-Japan scored twice in a controlled 3-1 win over NOR (who also scored twice).  Of course, the goals don't add up as we had two more own goals, giving the tournament a record-tying 8 with 14 more matches to go.  Both SUI and JPN gave up their first goal of the tourney, leaving 2F-Jamaica as the lone team with no allowed goals.  In their last 3 games, SUI has just 11 shots and 4 on goal (zero goals scored).

NOR opened scoring with a great high kick redirect past the GK in the box... unfortunately, it past her own GK for an own goal and give JPN an early 1-0 lead in the 15'.  NOR quickly game back with a great header five minutes later but JPN controlled most of the game and NOR didn't show much life until they went down 3-1 in 81', forcing JPN GK's into a couple of saves.  In a matchup between the closest ranked teams (#11 JPN and #12 NOR) who happen to both be WWC champions (2 of just 4 teams) saw NOR disappoint with both on field and off field issues.

ESP scored 3 times in the first 18 minutes but the second was another own goal (why are defenders so accurate shooting on goal - at their own goal) as SUI didn't have their first shot until the 55' (being outshot 19-0 at the time).  

SUI and NOR had a lot of trouble in their box.  NOR turned it over with an intercepted pass in the box that led to JPN's second goal and of course, NOR's own goal in the box.  SUI could not clear the ball out of their box and when the ball was loose, ESP pounced with a few goals.  It was like watching an indoor soccer game (described as human pinball).   Wore this cool adidas 2023 Japan White Red Special (Player) Jersey Tokyo Edition which is actually great quality (Etsy was also selling these so I was doubtful) finding sushi at H Mart (for some reason, no Japanese markets near me)  Apparently there have been a few of these in the past, even a Dragon Ball version.

33 had ESP in the quarters and 29 had JPN with everyone getting at least 1 of those 2 teams and 15 got both.  Kds911-2 jumped to first place with 72 points with More$ second with 71 pts.  Four are tied with 70 pts.  3am Down Under and Rutin4Putin jumped from a tie for 34th to a tie for 22nd.  Tiny Destroyer still last with 48 pts.