Match Preview: Japan vs Spain

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Japan’s rollercoaster ride at the 2022 FIFA World Cup reaches a crucial juncture as they face Spain in their final Group E encounter in Al Rayyan on Thursday.

With the nation’s ambitious target being set at reaching the quarter-finals here in Qatar this is a match that could help define an ageing squad and conservative coach or one that raises the same kind of questions to which we’ve seen with other AFC countries that have struggled at the tournament.

Whilst a draw may be enough a win will definitely secure qualification through to the Round of 16 and a loss will mark the end of their involvement.

That kind of situation doesn’t usually sit well with a Japanese side that, under this coach, only know one way of playing and that’s to sit, absorb pressure and use pace in transition to damage their opponents.

It was a method that worked against Germany but failed in the upset 1-0 defeat against Costa Rica last week and now Hajime Moriyasu must find a way to get past an impressive Spanish side.

That the European outfit will almost surely dominate possession is exactly as Moriyasu would like it but the key is how they can take advantage of the limited opportunities that they will have when with the ball.

Having started both matches in a 4-2-3-1 and then reverted to a 3-4-2-1 at the start of the second half it will also be interesting to see if Moriyasu opts to start things with the latter approach where they’ve looked more comfortable.

It’s no secret that the veteran coach favours runners across the front line that can look to close space and try and force turnovers but against a Spanish side that is incredibly comfortable in possession will that be enough?

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If not, do they have the ability to play through the lines?

The answer here is yes but does Moriyasu give the central midfielders the licence to do so, knowing how risk-adverse he is?

Aside from that it could well come down to if Japan can release the likes of Daizen Maeda, Junya Ito and perhaps Takuma Asano either wide or over the top where their pace could cause Spain trouble.

There are many questions and much of Japan’s success could come down to the tactical decisions that Moriyasu makes in whether to continue to constrict his attacking talents or play with bravery and allow them to try and test Spain.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

WATARU ENDO – Up against some of the finest midfield technicians in world football, Japan’s deep lying playmaker will need to find a way both to disrupt the Spanish buildup as well as try and release his more creative teammates further forward.

DAIZEN MAEDA – Likely to be recalled after having been rotated to the bench against Costa Rica, Maeda is a key figure in the way that Moriyasu wants to play where he’ll run himself into the ground, going from side-to-side, as the lone central forward in an effort to close the space for Spain to play into from the back.

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KAORU MITOMA – It’s baffling why Mitoma hasn’t yet been handed a start given that he’s looked, easily, Japan’s most dangerous option when coming off the bench against both Germany and Costa Rica. That he’s been able to stand out even when being oddly lined up as a left wingback/fullback is a real testament to his quality and surely it makes sense to try and play him through the middle and get him on the ball as much as possible against Spain.

WHAT THEY SAID

Hajime Moriyasu – Japan coach

“We have been able to prepare well, tomorrow is a high pressure game but we must believe in ourselves and believe in each other.

“The fact that we are here means I’m happy and pleased and I don’t feel pressure, I hope we don’t have any regrets.

“I always look to win and this is the same and the only thought I have in my mind.”

Shuichi Gonda – Japan goalkeeper

“We have been criticised and we accept the criticism but we know if we win we will go through the group stage so this is a clear situation and positive because our target is go to the quarterfinals.

“You cannot change the past, you can only change the future.”