Well this is exactly why we will be not in Top10 in any WC: because we didn't even won the Asian Cup since 13 years. Long term plans never worked. Like that 2005 JFA bufoon declaration (just before 2006 debacle).
Yeah, youre right. But it MUST be the goal to be part of the top 10 regulary for the JNT. No matter if they reach it in the end. Every playet need that to stay motivated.
Imho being #1 in Asia is the realistc goal and at international level simply reach the Final8 of a WC. Time passed and apart me I don't even know how many years have left to humanity before the society collapse. Before this or before I will pass away I will be happy to see Japan be indisputable #1 in Asia and reach the WC Final4 as SK did in 2002 / Marocco in 2022 and the likes.
They are by miles the Nr. 1 in Asia and nobody would ever doubt it. Sure they never won the Asia Cup again after 2010 but this has more to do with the timeline of that tournament. Its normaly close after a Worldcup (1 year) and that means: Full season in Europe at their clubs, WC, season in Europe, AC and thats with almost no break cause they AC is almost every time in the running season Tomiyasu and Endo said before this AC that its very questionable when the AC is starting and they would likely more to stay at their clubs. Of course they said it a little more diplomatic but you can hear, they dont want to risk a injury or anything. Dont get me wrong, I dont believe they hold back. But they are more tired and subconsciously in some scenes they run maybe a centimeter less or dont go with full force into a challenge and so on. The japanese players are to big and maybe they care more about the WC. Smaller teams like Quatar/Jordan on the other hand are not that tired, cause they have lesser games at their clubs, no CL, no EL and so on or at least the margin in quantity plays not that much games and of course they are hyper motivated. South Korea has the same problems and they are without a question by miles the Nr. 2 in Asia and ask them when they won the AC the last time ^^. They are more reasons for that, but thats one of the main reasons. Of course despite all they should have won it but then you have a Moriyasu who take injured players with the team or change every game 5-6 players, thats make a huge difference no matter how good you are. But I am very sure if the AC would take place at the same time like the European Cup, Japan would be way better.
Nakayama out for the season. So we have a bit of crisis for LB/LWB next WCQ window As usual, Mori-san failed miserably to expand the pool and give more players opportunity to try out. Guess he'll stick to his over the top 3 back with 2 wingers or play Machida out wide Should have given R.Ogawa, Higashi chances to come into the side and offer depth
I also think Japan is nr 1 overall, problem is that they always crumble when it matters the most. And with the players they have they should be nr 1 also. The wideness squad wise is amazingly big.
Seko back after quite a while. Fujita in this time, expected him in September already. Still no Furuhashi, ok, I think that's over, he's not in the plans, that simple. But no Asano, it's a miracle! (Or is he injured?) Ohashi instead, probably to get to know him and see what he does in training first, starter should be Ueda twice. And of course Nagatomo for whatever reason again, but at least he won't play, just there for some prep talk or whatever as usual.
The next two matches are of utmost importance, I know Australia has been in decline but I still see them as a contender for the two direct tickets to the WC. I hope JNT get decent results especially against KSA. I think it’s time to win against them on their turf, never done that before.
Oh yeah, Machino would be sweet. He is in sensational form. When Moriyasu can fit Shuto into the JNT like e played in Kiel, he will be a monster ( but In doubt Moriyasu is capable of, but Hasebe of course).
At youth levels yes, but senior level AFAIK, not once, not even a draw. Actually, most of KSA's victories against Japan in the senior team H2H results were the matches played in Saudi.
Nowadays KSA is like Qatar some years ago: they invested a lot of money in football and they want results even at NT level. I know KSA has a lot of tradition compared to Qatar, I'm just making an "investment" comparison.
I hope Moriyasu has a back up plan for the CM positions. He does not seem to rate Hatate and Tanaka is not on the same level as Endo and Morita. I also dont understand why he forces Kamada to play on the wings instead of using him as a back up CM. Sano would also be an interesting CM plan B option.
Hahahaha @teiho, you made my day . I really think/hope you will be surely alive and healthy ( you all of course). I feel the same ^^. Hatate,Sano and Kamada are the perfect options for the CM after Endo and Morita. I hope also Kawamura at Salzburg, develop well. Anyone know how talented he is? His chances to become JNT material are good, Salzburg is a big club.
Ikr? That's been the case in AFC arab matches for so long. The referee in the Bahrain vs Indonesia match was likewise, atrocious to say the least.