It was one of the all-time great underdog victories. Japan’s
previous world cup record read P22, W1 D1 L 22. The opposition, South Africa,
are two-time world cup winners.
The lead changed hands four times in the first half, but according
to the usual script Japan would succumb and the Springboks would come though
after being given an almighty scare. On 44 minutes, South Africa had a six
point lead, & by the 63rd it was seven, but Japan refused to
yield. On 79 minutes, trailing by 3, surely they would go for the penalty &
take the draw? No, they had the guts to risk going for the win & were
rewarded with a sensational victory.
Novak Djokovic is on course to have one of the standout
seasons of recent years. It ranks with McEnroe in 1984 (W82 L3), Federer 2006 (92-5),
Nadal 2010 & his own stellar season of 2011.
Worryingly for his rivals in the indoor season , the Serb hasn’t
lost on indoor (hard) court for 31 matches. Among his contemporaries only Wawrinka
, Murray & Nishikori look capable of
beating him in a best-of five match. Of the younger guns, Coric is not yet at
his level, Dimitrov has had an off year, & Krygios is too flaky.
At the US Open Murray ran into Kevin Anderson in the best
form of his career, but still has a massive prize to play for. GB will play
Belgium in the Davis Cup final after Murray won three rubbers for the second
tie in succession.
Great credit is due to Wayne Rooney for breaking Charlton’s England
goal record. He’s also closing in on the Man U club record.
