Japanese Soccer

This article was written by Yuta Toda

European giants Spain and Germany stood astonished on December 1st realizing that they had just been knocked out of the 2022 World cup by a country that had been predicted to finish bottom in their table. 

So what was Japan's secret in beating European champions Spain and Germany in the 2022 World Cup despite having been introduced to the sport just three decades ago? 

Passion, respect, and an unparalleled work ethic is one of the answers. This unwavering commitment has allowed Japan to compete on a global stage, despite their relatively recent entry into the sport. This shows the potential and talent Japan possesses.

The history of soccer in Japan traces back to the 1870s when an American Naval officer introduced the game. However, it took nearly a century for the sport to gain widespread popularity, with baseball and sumo overshadowing it until the 1980s. In contrast, European countries like France, Spain, England, and Germany have been soccer powerhouses for almost two centuries.

Japan's journey in the World Cup began in 1998 when they first qualified but faced a harsh reality by losing all three group stage matches. This setback served as a crucial wake-up call, highlighting the need for substantial improvements to compete at the highest level.

Over the years, Japan's dedication paid off, with subsequent World Cup appearances, including reaching the round of 16 in 2002, 2018, and again in 2022. During the latter tournament, Japan finally gained recognition as a formidable force in international soccer.

While passion and respect are essential, they alone wouldn't explain Japan's success. So what was the key factor that helped them dominate in the 2022 World Cup? 

It was Japan's tactical prowess. 

Japan's victories over Germany and Spain were achieved with an average possession rate of just 21.5%. A mere fraction of the game. Despite this, Japan managed to score four goals, outperforming Spain and Germany, who only scored two.

Japan's World Cup strategy was centered on a solid defense and effective counterattacks. Their unique pressing style allowed them to capitalize on European mistakes, turning each error into a goal or a game-changing moment.

Moreover, Japan's soccer continues to progress, as evidenced by their subsequent victory over Germany, with a commanding 4-1 scoreline a year later. While soccer may still be relatively new to Japan and occasionally overshadowed by other sports, it has become a unifying element in the country's culture.

Soccer has become an integral part of Japan's culture, uniting its people in their shared love for the game.