Japan's national football team faced off against Saudi Arabia in the eighth round of the World Cup Asian final qualifying match on March 25, 2025, at Saitama Stadium. This match, seen as a pivotal moment for the team, ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw, despite Japan's overwhelming possession and aggressive play.
With a stunning crowd of 58,003 supporters in attendance, Japan entered the match with a renewed energy, having already secured their spot in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Bahrain just days earlier. Japan's head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, made six changes to the starting lineup from the Bahrain match, indicating a strategic reset as the team gears up for the World Cup.
Among the fresh faces was 20-year-old defender Kota Takai, who made his debut as a starter in the A national team. At 20 years and 202 days old, he became the fourth youngest player in history to start an Asian qualifying match for Japan, surpassing the record set by football legend Hidetoshi Nakata, who started at 20 years and 228 days. This was a noteworthy achievement in Takai’s young career and an opportunity to solidify his place in the squad as a rising star.
The match began with Japan controlling the ball, showcasing 77.6% possession throughout the game. Their strategy employed a 3-4-2-1 formation, intended to maximize their attacking options. The team was led by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, supported by a defensive line consisting of Yuto Sugawara, Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito, and Takai.
Within the opening minutes, Japan quickly seized control, creating several scoring opportunities. In the tenth minute, Takai delivered a vertical pass to Ao Tanaka, who swiftly turned to feed Daizen Maeda through on goal. Unfortunately for the Japanese side, Maeda's attempt ricocheted off the right post, failing to register an early lead.
Despite continuous pressure and more chances generated in the first half—such as a close call when Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo attempted to break through Saudi Arabia's defensive lines—Japan could not find a way to convert their dominance into goals. The attacking efforts were hindered by a well-organized Saudi defense that was able to maintain composure under pressure.
As the first half progressed, Japan remained relentless but struggled with accuracy in their finishing. The Saudi team, known for their tactics, mirror-matched Japan with a 3-4-2-1 formation of their own, which allowed them to effectively counter Japan’s offensive plays.
By halftime, the score remained at 0-0, and discussions among fans reflected a mix of disappointment and perseverance, recognizing the team's solid defensive work that only allowed two goals throughout the qualifiers. Coach Moriyasu noted the importance of maintaining a strong defense, stating, "While we had challenges in the attack, keeping a clean sheet is a positive aspect of our game."
In the second half, Japan made no substitutions initially, continuing to push forward for the elusive goal. However, Saudi Arabia began to strengthen their attack, creating a few serious threats that tested Suzuki’s goalkeeper skills. One dangerous moment arose when the Saudi forward Salem Al-Dawsari broke free, only to be thwarted by Suzuki's quick reflexes.
As the minutes ticked away, Coach Moriyasu opted for changes, bringing on Ritsu Doan and Junya Ito to provide fresher legs and new attacking vigor. The substitutions aimed to break the deadlock and inject energy into Japan's relentless pursuit for a goal.
However, as the match continued, the Saudi team adapted well to Japan’s tactics, forming a robust defensive wall that seemed near impossible to breach. Moments of brilliance were displayed yet again as Tanaka again found his way through, creating space on the right side but failing to output the desired result when his shot went wide.
Ultimately, the match concluded with no score, marking Japan's first goalless draw in 27 games under coach Moriyasu—an outcome that will certainly spur further motivation for upcoming matches. Nevertheless, with two remaining matches in the group stages, Japan comfortably secured its position in the top spot of Group C.
Japan will face Australia away on June 5, 2025, before returning home on June 10, 2025, to complete their qualifying campaign against Indonesia. Futuristic aspirations of clinching the World Cup linger far ahead, yet questions linger on how the team will fortify its attack to capitalize effectively on their fierce midfield prowess.
Kota Takai's debut was repeatedly highlighted within the analysis, with various experts acknowledging his importance in securing a strong defensive front. His impressive performance proved his readiness to compete at a higher level, and he himself remained determined post-match, stating, "To secure my place in the starting lineup, I must continue to showcase my performance."
This match will be looked back on not only for the entrenched defensive strategies that worked but also for the critical need for offensive improvements as the road to the World Cup intensifies. As fans and analysts digest the match outcomes, a blend of pride and eagerness fuels their anticipation for the next qualifying stages.
