Japan's football team is on a mission to create history at the upcoming World Cup, and they're not afraid to aim high! With a strong squad of European-based players and some impressive recent performances, the four-time Asian champions are confident they can break new ground in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
But here's where it gets controversial... Japan has never progressed beyond the last 16 in a World Cup, but their recent results suggest they might just be ready to challenge that record. In October, they achieved a historic win against Brazil for the first time, followed by convincing victories over Ghana and Bolivia. These wins have given the team and their coach, Moriyasu, a real boost in confidence.
Moriyasu, who celebrated his 100th game in charge with a 3-0 win over Bolivia in Tokyo, believes his team is hitting its stride. "It's not just about winning when everything goes our way," he said. "The players showed that they can adapt and find a way to win even when faced with challenges. That's a huge confidence builder."
And this is the part most people miss... Japan's ability to adapt and function effectively, regardless of the players on the field, is a key strength. Moriyasu made seven changes to the starting lineup between the Ghana and Bolivia matches, and the team still delivered.
Japan's performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a glimpse into their potential. They stunned Germany and Spain, but their journey ended in the last 16 with a penalty shootout loss to Croatia. Despite setbacks like a 0-0 draw with Mexico and a 2-0 loss to the United States, Japan showed resilience and skill, coming back from a two-goal deficit to beat Brazil 3-2. Their defense was solid, keeping clean sheets against Ghana and Bolivia.
"The players have really embraced our playing style, both in attack and defense," Moriyasu explained. "Spending quality time together over the past few months has helped us develop a deeper understanding as a team."
Key players like Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace, Ritsu Doan of Eintracht Frankfurt, Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord, and Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad have been instrumental in Japan's success this year. Captain Wataru Endo, despite limited playing time at Liverpool, has also played his part. And let's not forget about goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who has emerged as a reliable presence after a tough time at the Asian Cup last year.
However, not all players are injury-free. Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma has had limited game time due to injury, and former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has barely played any football in the past two years. Tomiyasu is currently without a club after leaving Arsenal in July to focus on his rehabilitation. But Moriyasu remains optimistic, stating that he believes Tomiyasu will be fit in time for the World Cup.
With just one more international window before Moriyasu finalizes his World Cup squad, the team is gearing up for a potential March trip to face England at Wembley. The coach plans to wait until the last minute to make his final decisions, encouraging his players to make the most of their club time to elevate their game.
"We've ended the year on a high with consecutive wins, but I want the players to keep pushing themselves at their clubs. Other teams will be studying us, so we need to keep evolving our tactics and playing style to stay one step ahead."
Japan's journey to the World Cup is an exciting one, and their confidence is infectious. But what do you think? Can Japan make history and break through to the latter stages of the tournament? Let's discuss in the comments!
