The German preliminary round opponent Japan is not yet in World Cup form. Goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt saved the Japanese, who were equipped with a number of Bundesliga professionals, from defeat in the 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Düsseldorf.
In the 83rd minute, the keeper from Belgian club VV St. Truiden saved a penalty kick from Fenerbahce’s substitute Enner Valencia. The USA-born Schmidt also saved Japan from falling behind on a number of other occasions.
Five professionals employed in Germany were used in Ao Tanaka from the second division team Fortuna Düsseldorf, Hiroko Ito, Wataru Endo (both VfB Stuttgart), Ritsu Doan (SC Freiburg) and Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt).
Only after Endos and Kamadas came on did the Japanese become a little more dangerous in the second half. On Friday before, Japan had also won 2-0 against the USA in Düsseldorf.
Japan’s final World Cup test against Canada
However, Ecuador dominated the game and are scheduled to play the opening game of the controversial World Cup in Qatar against the host country on November 20th. Just under two weeks ago, the FIFA Appeals Committee dismissed the appeal of the Chilean and Peruvian soccer associations.
They had complained that full-back Byron Castillo had been used in the World Cup qualifiers with false identity papers. But this was rejected.
Castillo from Mexican club Leon also played at right-back.
Japan, which is Germany’s first World Cup opponent in the preliminary round on November 23, will play a final World Cup friendly against Canada on November 17. Ecuador currently has no more tests scheduled before the start of the World Cup in just under two months.