In fact, although the Japanese defenders possessed quite good physiques, with Tsuyoshi Watanabe at 1.86m, Shogo Taniguchi at 1.83m, Hiroki Ito at 1.88m, Takehiro Tomiyasu at 1.87m, etc., compared to the Netherlands team with Virgil van Dijk at 1.95m, Micky van de Ven at 1.93m, Ryan Gravenberch at 1.90m, Cody Gakpo at 1.93m, etc., the height advantage still leaned towards the European representatives. Coach Ronald Koeman fully exploited this advantage with aerial balls, utilizing the superior aerial ability of his players to act as a target man, drawing in the opposing defense and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. These tactics helped the Netherlands gain a lead, and at times even seemed to have secured the three points.
However, their opponent is Japan – a team that always knows how to punish any moment of complacency from their opponents and rarely misses an opportunity to turn the tide.
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| The Japanese national team has had a good start at the 2026 World Cup. |
Statistics show that the Japanese national team has not lost to any European football team since 2019. This streak includes many top-tier opponents such as Spain, Germany, England, and Croatia. The 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, despite repeatedly falling behind, further extends this impressive record. So what helps Japan maintain this remarkable unbeaten streak against European teams? Although they possess a squad largely composed of players playing abroad, many of whom compete in top leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A, along with prominent names like Hiroki Ito, Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada, and Kaishu Sano, the greatest strength of the Japanese national team under coach Moriyasu Hajime does not lie in its star players. What makes the "Blue Samurai" so strong is their ability to organize their gameplay tightly, their high level of discipline, and their flexibility in adjusting tactics to adapt to each opponent.
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| The Japanese national team plays with incredible versatility under the guidance of coach Moriyasu Hajime. |
Under coach Moriyasu Hajime, the Japanese national team is not confined to any particular playing style. They are very good at adjusting tactics to counter, contain, and stand firm against higher-ranked opponents, while also making the most of the weaknesses their opponents reveal.
Japan can play fast-paced, technical football with short passes to counter physically superior opponents; they can deploy an effective counter-attacking style against stronger teams; they can exploit wing attacks and crosses for headers like true professionals; and they can control the ball and organize high-pressure pressing with mastery. This diversity in playing style, combined with a quality squad, makes Japan capable of competing with any opponent.
Based on their performance against the Netherlands, coach Moriyasu Hajime's declaration of aiming for the World Cup title is not without basis. If they continue to capitalize on their strengths, while maintaining their tenacious fighting spirit and discipline, the "Blue Samurai's" journey at the 2026 World Cup promises to bring many surprises.
CAO DUY
Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/the-thao/the-thao-quoc-te/202606/khong-the-dua-voi-samurai-xanh-7d165c1/
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