GEORGE NEWS - A depressing silence descended over the media centre next to Outeniqua Park when Japan was eliminated from the World Cup late on Tuesday afternoon by Paraguay.
Months of learning Japanese etiquette, the language and customs came to an abrupt end when Japan lost after missing a kick at goal.
Nobody wanted to see Japan leave the series through a penalty shoot-out, but as the disappointed members of the Japanese media team said: "What can you do?"

Since arriving in George on 6 June, the Japanese have stolen many hearts, not least that of Cathy Dipnall, George munici-pal media liaison officer.
Cathy is considering a trip to Japan next year after her Japanese peers insisted that she visit their country - and after everything she has done for them on this side, she can expect a very warm welcome there.
Cathy says she has immense respect for the Japanese as a people. "They are incredibly polite and kind in a deeply spiritual way. You can rely on them and their word is their honour."

Saying goodbye to the Japanese team at the George Airport on Sunday, ANC councillor Myron Rabinowitz said it was brilliant to be the host city for Japan. "Japan brought the World Cup to George. If it wasn’t for them, all the excitement would have passed us by."

Will Moody and his son Matthew were also very involved with the team and sorry to see them go. Matthew’s Japanese flag was signed by star midfielder Keisuke Honda at the airport - a big moment for the young aspiring footballer as he is one of Japan’s biggest fans.

The team left George for Pretoria on Sunday, two days before their game against Paraguay, to be near the stadium and to acclimatise. Maybe this was not so wise, as the team management regards George as ‘lucky’. Some of their countrymen have had previous successes after taking part in sporting events hosted in the area and Fancourt.
And as Fifa is considering making South Africa their B-option for future World Cup events, who knows? George may just host the footballers from the land of the rising sun once again.

Article and photos: Ilse Schoonraad

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What a loss! Makoto Saito, of the Dentsu Inc. Football Project, is being consoled by George media liaison officer, Cathy Dipnall and Jenny Bosch of Eden Lions (right).


Supporters at the media centre were full of confidence that Japan would make the grade.