Consistency Has Been Japan’s Hallmark
Since 1998, Japan has not missed a single World Cup and has reached the last 16 stage of the Tournament 4 times ( 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022 ), which is a clear indication of how consistent Japan has been on the World Stage.
The Round of 16 Jinx Needs to be Broken
With victories over Spain, Germany, Brazil and England since 2022, the Asian Football Giant is ready for its next big leap. In the 2022 World Cup, a painful loss to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16 cut short the Blue Samurai’s march to the quarters. The last 16 jinx, therefore, needs to be broken, and Japan has the team to do so. No wonder the Japs were the first to qualify for the World Cup outside the hosting trio.
With Mitoma not playing, Focus shifts to Takefusa Kubo
Japan, despite the unfortunate injury to their international star Kaoru Mitoma, who has been brilliant for Brighton, have a seriously talented team. Right-winger Takefusa Kubo, who had a great season with Real Sociedad, where he troubled the opposition with his pace in La Liga and also helped his team lift the Copa del Rey, is the player to watch out for.
Endo Is A Superb Addition In the Midfield
Wataru Endo of Liverpool is another key player for Japan. Though he had his share of injuries and had less time on the pitch, Endo is pure class and will be vital in the midfield for Japan.
Tomiyasu Will Be Crucial In Defence
Takehiro Tomiyasu will be returning to the squad after a gap of two years. With Ajax, he has been successful in defence, and his experience in guiding the back line will be vital for the Samurais.
Daizen Maeda & Ritsu Doan Are Crucial Upfront
I am also looking forward to Ritsu Doan, who was incredible in the last World Cup and Daizen Maeda, who had a terrific season with Celtic and critically contributed to Celtic winning the Scottish League.
Hajime Moriyasu Has A Great Side But Lack An Elite Striker
Hajime Moriyasu, Japan’s manager, has stitched a very talented team, gifted in pace and creativity and has all the attributes of breaking the Round of 16 jinx for the Asian Giants. The only issue is a high-quality striker in the side, which may hurt Japan if they go deep into the tournament.
Japan is placed in Group F
Japan, placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden, is expected to go through to the next round and even beyond. The Japs play the Netherlands on June 14 in Dallas in a crucial encounter, followed by Tunisia on June 20 in Monterrey, and will finish off the group engagements in Dallas against Sweden on June 25.
The Team
Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa.
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki.
Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki.
Forwards: Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto.
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