That's fantastic spirit, Japan are really good at piling pressure on, they can do both defense and offense and a point against the Netherlands especially coming back from behind will give them huge confidence, well done!
Interesting game and performance. A few players lost key moments and Moriyasu didn't step up the game until later on. It nearly cost us but his subs were effective. I just wish we had more control and Moriyasu was more proactive rather than reactive. But coming back to draw is a positive moral boost because this wasn't our best game. We move!
The second goal has apparently been given to Kamada instead of Ogawa because the ball deflected off his head before going in.
Ito was fantastic when he came on, he needs to start. What a flow. Well Japan should be happy with one point. Even if Moriyasu is stubborn man im sure this made him think about a few things.
The worse: > Doan bad > Maeda bad > Kubo bad and injured > Ueda bad but he was alone The top: > Suzuki saved 2 times, lucky? Easy? Dunno but useful > Nakamura not a Mitoma but he was enough > J Ito super sub should start vs Tunisia Questionable: > Taniguchi was no particularly good but enough to stop Malen > Kamada regista was fine but too slow > Moriyasu it worked but this manager has a lucky factor that conceal his dumb choices.
I expect them to struggle way less defensively against Tunisia. Against Sweden it will depend on the defense's ability to hold up Isak and Gyokeres.
It was a very very even game. A little to passive from both sides but a draw was the fairest result. Netherlands of course slightly better but Japan was even. At the end you also have the feeling Japan would have won it, if the games goes longer. Ito changes the game completely.
Tunisia vs Sweden is now a very interesting match. We can plan how to face the 2nd and 3rd match and even if we will face Sweden for the 1st spot. Just like: Sweden 6 Japan 4 Netherlands 1 Tunisia 0
I think Moriyasu is playing this as tournament football, similar to Van Gaal in 2022, do what it takes to get a result. We know Japan can play the good stuff, but only if they have to, it can be frustrating I know but it seems to be the way of getting results against the big teams, of course we miss zac Japan but this style is very strong and effective
Zac Japan was only effective for so long but eventually it collapsed with a horrible Confederations Cup in 2013 and an even worse World Cup 2014.
Yeah that was my summary, it was super fun to watch but in the end wasn't great for getting consistent results, Moriyasu is happy to play defensive and counter to get the result, but has kept a very strong offense if he needs to change it. I miss watching the incredible football that team played but I'm super happy that they are able to contest with anyone now
Kamada was bad today and assigning him the goal from Ogawa was robbery... Kamda didnt even know that it hit him. Doan i expected more Zion looked unsure entire match Defense - only Ito played well Approach... i personally hate it just waiting for shot to happen soaking up the pressure. Netherlands still had plenty of chances. Moriyasu tried to do the 2022 stunt against Spain Ito has to start I would also put Tanaka in instead of,Kamada... so disappointed by him