The Japanese national football team faced a crucial challenge on March 25, 2025, as they clashed against Saudi Arabia in the eighth round of the North Central America World Cup Asian qualifiers. The match ended in a disappointing scoreless draw, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering the implications for Japan's hopes of qualifying for the upcoming tournament.
In the second half, Japan made significant substitutions, bringing in midfielders Ritsu Doan from SC Freiburg and Junya Ito from Stade Reims to replace Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad and Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar in the 61st minute. This tactical shift aimed to invigorate the Japanese offense, but despite the fresh legs on the field, the team struggled to find the back of the net.
Doan and Ito's simultaneous introduction sparked considerable online discourse regarding their coordination on the right side of the pitch. Observers noted that while Ito attempted to make vertical breaks and create scoring chances, Doan's positioning frequently hampered these efforts, casting doubt on the effectiveness of their pairing in high-pressure situations.
During the match, it became evident that while Ito was actively involved in developing plays, often pushing for opportunities, Doan seemed withdrawn and unable to impact the game significantly. His tendency to gravitate inward, as pointed out by former Japan national team player Marcus Tanaka Tulio, raised concerns about his effectiveness in the wing-back role. "When the space between the opponent's goalkeeper and defense line narrows, Doan invariably moves inside, which shortens the distance between him and Kubo," said Tanaka on his YouTube channel while analyzing the match. He further emphasized that such positioning could stifle the offensive potential of players like Ito, who thrives on making bold runs along the flanks.
This dynamic between Doan and Ito took center stage in discussions among fans and analysts post-match. Given that both players are known for their speed and agility, there were heightened expectations for their combined performance. However, the perceived lack of synergy raised eyebrows, suggesting that their approach might inadvertently limit Japan's offensive strategy.
Additionally, this strategic dilemma was not new for head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who had altered six starters from the previous game against Bahrain to rejuvenate the lineup. In both matches, questions had emerged about Doan's position, particularly regarding his fit within the formation and how effectively he connected with players around him. The persistent critiques of his positioning were echoed by Tanaka, who had called for an adjustment from the coaching staff to optimize team performance.
Despite having a solid record against Saudi Arabia, with 11 wins, one draw, and five losses historically, the Japanese team seemed out of sync during the match. Compounding the issue, Saudi Arabia, ranked 59th in the FIFA standings compared to Japan's 15th, managed to keep Japan at bay without yielding any goals.
The challenges witnessed on March 25 may serve as a pivotal learning experience for Moriyasu's squad. For Japan's ambitions to qualify for the World Cup, adapting quickly to opponents will be essential. As fans and analysts digest the results of this game, the overall sentiment seems to center on the urgency for strategic refinement ahead of their subsequent matches.
As Japanese football supporters remain hopeful, the emphasis will now shift to whether Moriyasu and his coaching team can rectify the tactical oversights that led to a disappointing performance against Saudi Arabia. They will need to find ways to leverage the talents of players like Doan and Ito more effectively, ensuring that Japan can reclaim its place at the World Cup.
Moving forward, the focus will be on coordination and communication among players as well as refining tactical approaches. With the pressures of qualifying mounting, every decision and adjustment in the coming matches will be critical, testing the resolve and adaptability of the team as they aim for football’s biggest stage.
In the realm of sports, where each match can reignite hope, the Japanese national team will need to rise to the occasion, using this performance as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block as they continue their pursuit of qualifying for the World Cup.
