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3 group games at the Asian Cup," Japanese soccer's defense concerns
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Japan has lost five points in three matches." The defense of Japanese soccer is on shaky ground. Japan, which is evaluated as the top candidate for the 2023 Asian Football Confederation Qatar Asian Cup, wrapped up its group stage after going through twists and turns. Contents are not satisfactory.
Japan defeated Indonesia 3-1 in its third Group D match, which ended at Asumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday. Japan, which suffered a setback in its second group match against Iraq, secured its advance to the round of 16 teams by ranking second in its group against Iraq (nine points) with two wins and one loss.
Japan left homework through the group matches. Japan lost five goals in each of the three matches. Japan also gave up a goal to Sandy Walsh at the 46th minute of the second half when it led 3-0 against Indonesia.
Rather, Indonesian media outlets even point out Japan's defense. CNN Indonesia called it a game that highlighted Japan's weaknesses and said it was not the first time such a goal was scored. Japan won 4-2 against Vietnam in its first group match, but allowed two goals only in set play. When it lost in the second match against Iraq, it gave two goals to striker Aymen Hussein alone. "It may be a lesson for the team that will face Japan in the future," the media said.
Japanese soccer media "Football Zone" also changed its argument, saying, "We cannot win with this defense." Analysts say that Japan will become an Achilles heel as it has to deal with strong teams one after another in tournaments after the round of 16. Some say that goalkeeper Suzuki Zaion, who protects the goal, should be replaced.
Japan was in Group E, dubbed "Group of Death," at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar. Even in the group with Spain, Germany, and Costa Rica, Japan ranked first in the group with its defense teamwork by allowing the fewest three runs along with Spain.
However, Japan's teamwork in defense at the Asian Cup did not meet expectations. Japan won the final group match by scoring three goals against Indonesia, which is a lower-level player, and critics say that it displayed good overall performance. However, the fact that it failed to block the team with a clean sheet remains regrettable ahead of the tournament. Japanese national soccer team coach Hajime Moriyasu did not hide his concern over defense issues. "I think all four players in the defensive line did a good job today," Moriyasu said right after the match against Indonesia. "I'm learning from my mistakes against Iraq."
