Match Preview: Japan vs Croatia

Japan Press Conference - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The Asian Game’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is proudly sponsored by SMC.

Japan will be aiming to create history by reaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time when they face Croatia in Doha on Monday.

This is the nations’ fourth appearance in the Round of 16 but defeats to Turkey, Paraguay and then Belgium have seen their run ended at that stage in previous tournaments.

In the midst of an ambitious 100-year plan, the JFA has set the target as being qualification for the quarterfinals in Qatar and coach Hajime Moriyasu said he can feel that the players are on the right track, in multiple elements of their development, to achieve that ambitious target.

“In the last four years I feel that we’ve developed tactically but also the players have grown individually to show more quality.”

Japan know that Croatia, fallen finalists four years ago, pose a strong challenge with defender Yuto Nagatomo calling for the team to play with belief and courage.

“Tactical elements are important but, no matter how we have improved those, if we are scared on the pitch then those things become useless.”

After flipping his starting approach at halftime in each of the three group games – none of which they were leading in – it will be interesting to see the way that Moriyasu sets things up at the Al Janoub stadium.

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Without the suspended Kou Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to partner Maya Yoshida in central defence whilst there are ongoing fitness concerns over rightback Hiroki Sakai, central midfielder Wataru Endo and winger Takefusa Kubo.

Elsewhere, after stirring cameos off the bench both Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan will be pushing hard for a start although the conservative Moriyasu may prefer to continue using them as impact options off the bench.

Tactically, this is also a different puzzle for Moriyasu to solve as, unlike Germany and Spain, Croatia are probably more open to trying to play over the top of the Japanese midfield and defence rather than through them and the risks this brings in exposing a less than mobile Japanese backline are not to be underestimated.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – Had he been fully fit the Arsenal man would have likely partnered captain Maya Yoshida in central defence but instead he’s seen Kou Itakura jump him in the pecking order but with Itakura suspended it’s likely that Tomiyasu will earn the start. Having not played regularly this year with injury it’s a big stage for a player who may be lacking in match rhythm.

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DAIZEN MAEDA – The short turnaround between games may give Moriyasu some though at starting Takuma Asano but Maeda does seem to be the first choice option. Fra more than what he brings in possession it’s the constant harrying he does off the ball that’s made him a favourite of the coach and that could again be the case here.

DAICHI KAMADA – Arguably the most disappointing player for Japan so far but the only one to have started all three games outside of Shuichi Gonda and a couple of defenders Kamada is now firmly established as a Moriyasu favourite. He’s not shown the same composure on the ball so far and has been outshone by the mobile forward ahead and beside him in the press so this looms as a key match for the German-based midfielder to rediscover his form.

WHAT THEY SAID

Hajime Moriyasu – Japan coach

“The players showed their ability against Germany and Spain, they were united and dug in and fought until the end and they’ve proved that when they play like that it brings results.

“The players don’t think of themselves as starting players or substitutes and neither do I. Of course there is competition for places and we have to have some kind of hierarchy, but in general they’re all regular players.

“I don’t know if it’s quite the same but it’s like in baseball – among pitchers you have starters, relievers and closers.”

Yuto Nagatomo – Japan defender “In order for us to maximise our tactical elements that we have been practising the first condition is to have courage and so we want to show just how courageously we can play.”