Since the 1990’s when Japan became an important football presence in Asia, their ascent has been constant and they’ve made incredible progress, becoming one of the most successful National Teams in their Confederation. The ‘Nippon’ will be making their seventh consecutive appearance in Qatar 2022, and have made it though the group stages in three occasions already. This exiting team blends discipline with talent, and this formula seems to be pointing in the right direction for the JFA.
Tough Test For The Group Stages
The ‘Samurai Blue’ will have to deliver right out of the gate if they plan to stick around the World Cup for the knockout stages. In match-day one they will square off against group favourites Germany (Nov 23rd). Things will ease a little bit for match-day two, as the Japanese will have a golden opportunity to score points against Costa Rica, and if they can take a victory, it will be all or nothing in match-day three versus Spain. The Japan National Team will have to give one of their best performances in World Cups, but we are certain that this team will embrace the challenge.
Japanese Football DNA
Hajime Moriyasu is the manager for both senior and U23 teams of Japan, so he knows really well the squad and talent he has at his disposal. Morijasu has plenty experience in the J-League, and was appointed as head coach of the National Team in 2018 after playing a role in the Russia World Cup as assistant coach, which earned him valuable international experience. Moriyasu led the Japan National Team to the Asian Cup Final in 2019, but fell short of winning the championship by losing to this year’s host nation, Qatar.
International Stars On The Rise
Japan has among its ranks very interesting players that will certainly bring experience and talent to the squad. The ‘Samurai Blue’ are led by experienced captain and Schalke 04 defender Maya Yoshida, attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada from Eintracht Frankfut is the creative player that provides the creativity on attack, and Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu gives presence on the wings. These are just a few names in a very good squad with plenty of European club experience in its ranks.
Bravery and Discipline Will Be Key
Even tough Japan will enter the group as a foreshadowed casualty, this will motivate this experienced and proud squad even more, Japanese players need to make a statement, and make the most of every chance they get. If the ‘Samurai Blue’ can find the tactical discipline to hold-off elite rivals, they will certainly create opportunities to give us a surprise and make it out of the group alive, and maybe even dream on a hypothetical knockout game upset.
