Japanese football conquers the giants

Perhaps never before has Japanese football made the world take off its hat like this.

Under the leadership of Hajime Moriyasu, the “Samurai Blue” (the Japanese team’s nickname) has become not only a representative of the Asian spirit but also a global force – a team that knows how to defeat opponents they previously only dared to dream of facing.

Since the 2022 World Cup, Japan’s journey has been a series of resounding victories against names that make any team wary: Uruguay, Germany, Spain and Brazil - four former world champions. Notably, many of those victories came when they were behind, proving the Japanese people’s mettle and unwavering belief.

In Qatar, Japan stunned the world by coming from behind to defeat Germany and Spain, two European powers with formidable squads. In both matches, Moriyasu and his team were behind 0-1 but still won 2-1, and then took the top spot in the group of death. Many people called it a “miracle”, but for Japanese football, it was the result of more than two decades of systematic investment, building their own philosophy and training a generation of players who were comprehensively trained in both technique and tactical thinking.

A year later, Japan stunned the Germans again when they crushed the “Tank” 4-1 in Wolfsburg in a friendly match. It was no longer a surprise, it was a declaration: Japan has now matured, capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the top football teams. And recently, they closed the conquest streak with a 3-2 victory over Brazil in a friendly match on the evening of October 14, after being down 0-2 - a match that showed the resilience and extraordinary mettle of the team from Asia.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu - who was once doubted after the failure at the 2023 Asian Cup - has now become a symbol of a quiet revolution. He does not shout or show off, just steadfastly following his path: building a disciplined, modern, and intelligent team.

Under Moriyasu, Japan pressed strongly, moved flexibly and knew how to make the most of the speed, technique and understanding of the players.

Under Moriyasu, Japan pressed hard, moved flexibly and knew how to make the most of the speed, technique and understanding of the players. Stars like Mitoma, Kubo, Endo, Doan or Minamino are now not just talented individuals, but links in a complete team.

What is special about Japan is that they do not rely on stars, but on systems. Each player clearly understands their position, role and common goals. Moriyasu has turned the collective spirit into the most powerful weapon - something that not all major teams can maintain in the era of individual football.

Japan today is no longer the “hard-working apprentice” of world football, but has become a model of evolution. They beat the giants not only with tactics and physical strength, but also with thinking and character - qualities that are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

Each victory over Germany, Spain or Brazil is not just a match, but an affirmation: Asian football has crossed the old limit. And at the forefront of that flag, is the image of a cold, persistent and proud Japan.

Now, when the “Blue Samurai” step onto the field, people no longer talk about miracles. They talk about the true power of Japan, about Hajime Moriyasu’s army – modern players who are conquering the world with their undying will and belief.

Source: https://znews.vn/bong-da-nhat-ban-chinh-phuc-nhung-ga-khong-lo-post1593806.html