poptimists | GHANA PLAY FOR PRIDE AGAINST RAMPANT JAPAN

Ghana 2 JAPAN 4

A Ghanaian fightback stopped this game from being a humiliation, but make no mistake - Japan fully deserved their four goals here today and the outcome of this second-round match was never in doubt.

cis' side stride into the quarter finals, where they will face the winner of France vs Spain - a mouthwatering pop prospect for the neutral.

Two goals to the good at half time, Japan added another brace after the break as their effervescent play crushed the Group E winners. True to gaffer

julietk's word, Ghana improved as the match went on, and scored a face-saving goal in the 80th minute, adding a second consolation with a free kick seconds before time. By that time though their fans were leaving the stadium, disconsolate after seeing a strong side demolished by a Japan team seemingly keen to restore their place as tournament favourites. France and Spain beware!

Final Results
Ghana - 75 points
Japan - 95 points