Japan Draws 0-0 Against Saudi Arabia In World Cup Qualifier

On March 25, 2025, the Japan national soccer team faced Saudi Arabia in the final qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian section at Saitama Stadium 2002. This match was critical as Japan had already secured its place in the World Cup following a decisive 2-0 victory against Bahrain on March 20, the fastest World Cup qualification in history.

Despite this achievement, head coach Hajime Moriyasu emphasized the importance of winning every match, noting that the results in official games significantly influence the pot distribution at the main tournament. “Winning every match is our basic concept,” Moriyasu stated in an interview, reflecting the team's competitive mindset even after attaining their World Cup spot.

However, Japan came into this match with several key injuries. Forward Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord and midfielder Hidemasa Morita of Sporting had already left the squad, and two other players, Ao Tanaka and Yuto Nagatomo, did not participate in the full team practice the day before the match, which raised further concerns about the lineup. Initially, Moriyasu had called up 27 players, but due to injuries, the team was streamlined to a 23-player roster for this crucial confrontation.

In the wake of these injuries, Japan's defense, already under pressure, had to adapt. Several key players, like Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Koki Taniguchi, and Hiroki Machida, remained sidelined, leading to changes in the starting lineup. Zion Suzuki from Paris Saint-Germain and Ko Itakura from Borussia MG were expected to take starting positions, alongside expected newcomer Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale, making his first start at right center back. The squad's focus was on maintaining a strong defensive structure while also maximizing their attacking capabilities.

As the match commenced at 19:35 local time, Japan aimed to build on their existing momentum. The starting formation was speculated to be 3-4-2-1, although a shift to a more traditional 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 was also possible if the situation demanded it. Amidst this tactical flexibility, the creative inputs from players like Daichi Kamada and Jun'ya Ito were anticipated to be vital in unlocking Saudi Arabia's defensive setups.

Japan's match strategy notably included utilizing the speed of its wingers, particularly Ito, who had shown great form in recent fixtures. He had previously assisted Takumi Minamino’s goal during the match against Bahrain, demonstrating his capability to exploit the defense of the opposition. Meanwhile, Koki Nakamura, who had also performed well off the bench against Bahrain, was expected to play a significant role, especially given the condition concerns surrounding Ao Tanaka.

The encounter against Saudi Arabia unveiled its own challenges. After 90 minutes of high-stakes football, the match concluded in a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams with crucial insights moving forward. It was a tactical game where defenses were highlighted, and opportunities to score were sparse but meaningful. Player performances were noteworthy, especially from those preparing for the World Cup.

Post-match evaluations pointed to Kota Takai being awarded the MVP for his composed demeanor and quality in build-up play, earning a rating of 7.0. Takai’s efforts were crucial in stabilizing Japan’s defense during a match where they faced periods of pressure.

Others who performed admirably included Zion Suzuki, who rated 6.5, showing readiness and reliability as he handled balls that threatened his area effectively. The defensive line, including Hiroki Ito, who moved to more advanced positions than in previous matches, also contributed greatly, earning a rating of 6.5 for activating attacking plays smoothly.

Further statistics from the match indicated that players like Wataru Endo and Ao Tanaka were key in recovering second balls and creating opportunities despite the lack of goals. Endo controlled broad areas of the pitch defensively, effectively managing the midfield battles. However, Japan's foreign legion, which included players from various international leagues, had varying degrees of impact, highlighting a mixture of elation and frustration from the coaching staff.

Ultimately, the draw against Saudi Arabia served as a reality check for Japan, despite their earlier success in securing a World Cup berth. Head coach Moriyasu rounded off the post-match reflections, acknowledging the need to diversify their approaches in attack, especially considering they faced a well-organized Saudi defense. He noted, “We fought to a draw while trying out various members. The attack ended up being somewhat one-dimensional against an opponent that played cautiously and pulled back.”

As Japan prepares for the upcoming matches, including further fixtures in the June series and the E-1 Championship in South Korea, the team's adaptability and tactical depth will be tested, with the objective of refining their play ahead of the World Cup.