<p class="title">Akira Nishino’s short time in charge of Japan has been defined by a succession of gambles and so it was perhaps fitting that his side departs the World Cup after risking it all in the last 16 against Belgium.</p>.<p class="bodytext">It was a gamble in itself to install Nishino as coach two months out from the tournament, and since taking over the 63-year-old has shown a daring not associated with his predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic, nor indeed Japanese football in general.</p>.<p class="bodytext">After choosing to keep faith with many of the veterans who were in danger of losing their place under Halilhodzic, Nishino’s Japan opened their Group H campaign with a win over Colombia and a draw with Senegal.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Nishino threw the dice in their final group match against already-eliminated Poland, making six changes to the starting 11 and then, when a goal down, opting not to chase an equaliser, instead holding out for a result that would see them into the last 16 instead of Senegal due to a better disciplinary record.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Against Belgium in Rostov-on-Don, Nishino recalled his key players and went on the offensive, keeping to the promise of playing attacking football he made when he took charge.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The tactics initially paid dividends as Japan opened up a 2-0 lead over the fancied Belgians before the strength of the European side brought them level.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Deep into stoppage time, Nishino decided he was not done gambling and urged his players forward at a corner looking to clinch the winner.</p>.<p class="bodytext">When the set-piece came to nothing, Belgium broke forward on the counter, exposing Japan's threadbare defence, and scored the winner with the last kick of the game.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“I don't think the players were to blame, I think it was me who might have lost control of the game," Nishino said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“When the goal was conceded, I blamed myself, and I question my tactics.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"As for the result I am very disappointed. I am devastated. When we were 2-0 up, and I didn't change my players, I really wanted to score another goal and we did have opportunities."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Nishino’s desire to win may have cost his team a chance at reaching their first World Cup quarter-final but his attacking brand of football is sure to have been appreciated back home.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The JFA, meanwhile, came in for heavy criticism for sacking Halilhodzic so close to the tournament but Japan’s performances in Russia suggests it is a gamble that paid off.</p>
<p class="title">Akira Nishino’s short time in charge of Japan has been defined by a succession of gambles and so it was perhaps fitting that his side departs the World Cup after risking it all in the last 16 against Belgium.</p>.<p class="bodytext">It was a gamble in itself to install Nishino as coach two months out from the tournament, and since taking over the 63-year-old has shown a daring not associated with his predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic, nor indeed Japanese football in general.</p>.<p class="bodytext">After choosing to keep faith with many of the veterans who were in danger of losing their place under Halilhodzic, Nishino’s Japan opened their Group H campaign with a win over Colombia and a draw with Senegal.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Nishino threw the dice in their final group match against already-eliminated Poland, making six changes to the starting 11 and then, when a goal down, opting not to chase an equaliser, instead holding out for a result that would see them into the last 16 instead of Senegal due to a better disciplinary record.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Against Belgium in Rostov-on-Don, Nishino recalled his key players and went on the offensive, keeping to the promise of playing attacking football he made when he took charge.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The tactics initially paid dividends as Japan opened up a 2-0 lead over the fancied Belgians before the strength of the European side brought them level.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Deep into stoppage time, Nishino decided he was not done gambling and urged his players forward at a corner looking to clinch the winner.</p>.<p class="bodytext">When the set-piece came to nothing, Belgium broke forward on the counter, exposing Japan's threadbare defence, and scored the winner with the last kick of the game.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“I don't think the players were to blame, I think it was me who might have lost control of the game," Nishino said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“When the goal was conceded, I blamed myself, and I question my tactics.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"As for the result I am very disappointed. I am devastated. When we were 2-0 up, and I didn't change my players, I really wanted to score another goal and we did have opportunities."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Nishino’s desire to win may have cost his team a chance at reaching their first World Cup quarter-final but his attacking brand of football is sure to have been appreciated back home.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The JFA, meanwhile, came in for heavy criticism for sacking Halilhodzic so close to the tournament but Japan’s performances in Russia suggests it is a gamble that paid off.</p>