In a decisive showdown in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, Japan and Saudi Arabia clashed on March 25, 2025, at Saitama Stadium, resulting in a tedious 0-0 draw. With this match, Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu aimed to showcase his team's depth, making six changes to the starting lineup following their significant victory against Bahrain just days earlier.
Japan, ranked 15th in the FIFA world standings, entered the match with momentum after qualifying for their eighth consecutive World Cup. Opposing them was Saudi Arabia, currently 59th in the FIFA rankings, who were looking to assert their prowess on the field.
The lineup for Japan featured goalkeeper Seiya Suzuki, defenders Yugo Takai, Hiroki Itakura, and Juichi Sugawara, and midfielders Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo, Keito Nakamura, and Daichi Kamada, along with forward Daizen Maeda. This represented a significant change as six players from the last match were replaced, including the likes of Ueda and Morishita, both sidelined due to injuries.
Notably, the young and promising Takai made his international debut as a right center-back, while Maeda returned to starting duty as the lone striker for the first time since the 2022 World Cup knockout stage against Croatia. The tactical formation left room for flexibility between a three-back and a four-back system, depending on player positioning.
Both teams struggled to convert opportunities into goals, which led to a frustrating stalemate. In the ninth minute, forward Maeda launched a shot that hit the right post, indicating Japan’s hunger for an early lead. Minutes later, midfielder Kubo had a left-footed shot that sailed over the crossbar. The first half showcased a series of missed chances, ending in a draw.
After the break, the Japanese side continued its pressure, but the scores remained locked at zero. Coach Moriyasu aimed to demonstrate his squad's versatility and readiness for the World Cup. However, none of the substitutions or strategies employed were able to break the deadlock.
Reflecting on the match, Nakamura expressed disappointment, stating, “I should have decided the chance, but the quality dropped in the last part of the second half.” This echoed the sentiments of the supporters who anticipated a more decisive performance from the team, especially after their dominant showing against Bahrain.
Adding to the conversation surrounding the team’s performance, DF Itohiroki’s collaboration with FW Nakamura was a hot topic. Former Japan representative Marcus Tulio Tanaka critiqued their chemistry, emphasizing the need for improved coordination between them on his YouTube channel ‘Marcos TV.’ He noted the subtle misalignments, “Mitsuta and Itoh's interaction is often challenging, not just in this match but consistently.” This criticism highlights the struggles some players have faced while adapting to different tactical setups, suggesting a need for improvement in various player combinations.
The atmosphere in Saitama Stadium was electric, with fans eager to see how the team would perform following their World Cup qualifications. Despite the lack of goals, the match served as an important stepping stone. It allowed coach Moriyasu to test new formations and address shortcomings in scoring effectiveness before the World Cup begins.
In conclusion, while Japan's performance against Saudi Arabia lacked the desired outcome in terms of scoring, it highlighted areas where the team could grow as they head towards the World Cup. With multiple injuries and tactical adjustments, this match was a critical opportunity for the squad to prepare for the challenges ahead.
