Despite strong performances, Japan has so far been flying under the radar at the World Cup. On the one hand, this is due to the sensations of others, but on the other hand it also fits with our own self-image.
It was striking how Hajime Moriyasu celebrated the equalizer in the first World Cup group game against the Netherlands. In fact, not at all. Japan’s coach stoically calmly acknowledged this important goal and thereby underlined the understatement with which the Japanese appear – at least off the pitch.
Because on the pitch, the four-time Asian champion shines with his enthusiasm, goal threat and resilience. The game against the Netherlands is the best example of this: Japan was behind twice, the team came back twice and in the end secured a deserved point against the favorites. And as we now know from Japanese fans, they left their seats sparkling clean after the game.
Japan’s 1,000th Gala World Cup game
The “Blue Samurai” then demonstrated their class in the second group game against Tunisia. The 4-0 was not only a befitting result for the historical framework of a 1,000. World Cup game, but at the same time underlined that the Japanese certainly have what it takes to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time. Admittedly, the completely unsettled Tunisians proved to be grateful opponents after the coaching chaos – Hervé Renard took over for Sabri Lamouchi after the 5-1 opening defeat against Sweden.
But that shouldn’t detract from the Japanese performance. In addition to a lot of offensive drive, the team also impressed with their wit and brilliant moments. After just a few minutes, ex-Frankfurt player Daichi Kamada completed a remarkable pass into the penalty area with a heel. To make it 2-0, Ayase Ueda sank a powerful shot from 16 meters into the far corner. Junya Ito’s third goal was preceded by a fantastic combination including a brilliant pass, and the 4-0 was a pinpoint cross into the free space.
Ueda stands out from a strong team
He and his players would make sure “that it will be a brilliant game that deserves to be the 1,000th. to be the game of the world championships“, Japan’s coach Moriyasu had previously announced. In front of Princess Hisako Takamado, they followed up their words with action. No Asian team had ever scored four goals in a World Cup game before. Ueda particularly shone with his brace and an assist. In the end, the professional from Feyenoord Rotterdam was involved in seven of Japan’s eleven shots on goal.
Japan has not lost any of its last nine international matches (seven wins, two draws), including wins against heavyweights Brazil (3:2) and England (1:0). The recent success is not only due to the individual class of players like Ueda and Kamada, but above all to the continuity on the sidelines. Moriyasu has been in office for almost eight years and is Japan’s record coach. The 57-year-old’s record (73 wins in 105 international matches) is impressive.
Moriyasu – between notebook and tactics boards
Moriyasu is a tinkerer and tactician. Even at the tournament four years ago, we could see how he was constantly taking notes during the games. In the group game against the Netherlands, large tactical boards were repeatedly held up on the sidelines with coded numbers on them: tactical instructions for the team that had been rehearsed in advance.
Japan’s national coach Hajime Moriyasu (l.) gives instructions to his team in the game against the Netherlands
But how far can Japan actually go in this tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico? So far it has been enough to reach the round of 16 four times, most recently in Qatar in 2022, where it ended in a penalty shootout against Croatia. At that time, Japan surprisingly finished in first place in the “hammer group” with the DFB team and Spain. Two wins were enough.
| S | U | N | Goal diff. | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Netherlands | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
2 | Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
3 | Sweden | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
4 | Tunisia | 0 | 0 | 2 | -8 | 0 |
Japan is also on the right track at this World Cup with four points from two games and is leading Group F together with the Netherlands. Against Sweden, in the final group game on Friday (1 a.m. CEST), they can secure their place in the round of 16 on their own. In the long-distance duel with the Netherlands, who are playing at the same time against the Tunisians who have already been eliminated, it is also about winning the group.
The Netherlands will reach the round of 16 if they win or draw against Tunisia. Depending on the result of Japan against Sweden, the Netherlands will then finish first or second in the group. The direct comparison with Japan ended 2:2. If Sweden loses against Tunisia and wins against Japan, a drop to third place is still possible.
With a win or a draw against Sweden, Japan will reach the round of 16 as group first or second – depending on the result of the Netherlands against Tunisia. If the Netherlands lose against Sweden and the Netherlands win or draw against Tunisia, Japan will be third in the group.
With a win against Japan, Sweden will surely reach the round of 16. If the Netherlands only play a draw against Tunisia at the same time, Sweden will be first in the group. If Sweden draws against Japan, they will finish third in their group.
Japan meets a numbered Swedes
Purely on paper, the Netherlands have the best chance of finishing the group in first place against the previously disappointing Tunisians. However, the direct duel between Japan and Sweden is expected to be more exciting. After all, both teams have already demonstrated their offensive class against Tunisia.
How Sweden will deal with the recent 5-1 setback against the Netherlands remains to be seen. In any case, the momentum lies with the Japanese. The gala in the 1,000th year demonstrated that the “Blue Samurai” have the potential for further historic achievements. impressively proven in the World Cup game.
