Japan is on the brink of making World Cup history, and the soccer world is taking notice. For a nation that has never advanced beyond the last 16, this could be their moment to shatter expectations. But here's where it gets intriguing: their journey to this point has been anything but conventional.
The four-time Asian champions have quietly assembled a formidable squad, primarily composed of Europe-based players, who have delivered a string of impressive performances. Their recent victories over soccer powerhouses like Brazil, Ghana, and Bolivia have not only boosted their confidence but also turned heads globally. Is this the year Japan finally breaks through on the world's biggest stage?
Coach Hajime Moriyasu, celebrating his 100th game in charge with a 3-0 win over Bolivia, believes his team is peaking at the right time. "Winning when everything is going our way is one thing, but tonight's victory showed we can prevail even when the odds are stacked against us," he remarked. Moriyasu's strategic depth was on full display as he rotated seven players from the starting lineup against Ghana, yet the team still functioned seamlessly. But here’s the controversial part: Can a team that relies so heavily on squad rotation truly maintain consistency in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup?
Japan's 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar was a rollercoaster, stunning Germany and Spain before falling to Croatia on penalties in the last 16. Fast forward to this year, and they’ve already secured their spot in the 2025 tournament, with their only qualifying defeat coming after their qualification was assured. Yet, setbacks like a 0-0 draw with Mexico and a 2-0 loss to the United States in September serve as reminders that there’s still room for improvement.
Their comeback from a two-goal deficit to beat Brazil 3-2 was nothing short of spectacular, and their defensive solidity against Ghana and Bolivia showcased their versatility. Moriyasu credits the team’s progress to their shared understanding, honed during extended time together over the past three months. "The players are better at expressing our style in both attack and defense," he noted. But is three months of cohesion enough to compete with teams that have been together for years?
Key players like Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) have been instrumental this year. Captain Wataru Endo, despite limited playing time at Liverpool, has provided steady leadership. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has also rebounded impressively after a challenging Asian Cup last year.
However, injuries have sidelined Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, and former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has barely played in two years. Tomiyasu, currently without a club, is racing to recover in time for the World Cup, with Moriyasu expressing confidence in his return. Is it wise to rely on a player who’s been out of competitive action for so long?
With just one international window left before Moriyasu finalizes his squad, rumors of a March friendly against England at Wembley have surfaced. The coach plans to wait until the last minute to make his selections, urging his players to continue raising their level at their clubs. "Other teams will be studying us, so we must keep evolving our tactics and style to stay ahead," he warned.
So, what do you think? Can Japan finally break their World Cup ceiling, or will their reliance on squad rotation and injury-prone players prove to be their downfall? Let us know in the comments below!
