'All-time Rising' 축구 Soccer, Brazil → Ghana → Bolivia → Scotland 'Four consecutive wins'... It's getting shabby by the Hong Myung-bo Team.

*This content was translated by AI.

Three months before the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup, the gap between Japan and South Korea seems to be widening. While the South Korean national soccer team under coach Hong Myung-bo was completely defeated by Ivory Coast 0-4, Japan, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, gained momentum by winning a tricky away match in Scotland.

The Japanese national soccer team defeated Scotland 1-0 thanks to Junya Ito (Henk)'s winning goal at the end of the second half in an A-match warm-up match held at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland on the 29th (Korea time).

It's a complete disaster. Starting with the match against Brazil (3-2 win) in October last year, Japan overpowered Scotland following Ghana (2-0) and Bolivia (3-0), continuing its four-game winning streak and three consecutive scoreless games. This is in contrast to Korea's self-destruction by dedicating four goals after a helpless game against Ivory Coast in Milton Keynes, England.

Japan overwhelmed Scotland. According to the soccer statistics media "Foot Mob," Japan led the game with a 55-to-45 possession ratio and an 18-to-8 shooting number.

Scotland produced a threatening scene in the 8th minute of the first half, with Scott McTominay (Napoli) shooting hitting the post, but Japan overcame the crisis with Suzuki Zaion (Parma)'s good defense and solid organization.

Japan's offensive was also overwhelming. In the 37th minute of the first half, Tanaka Ao (Liz United)'s shot hit the crossbar, continuing the tight flow.

At the start of the second half, Moriyasu pitched Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Shogo Taniguchi (Kawasaki Frontale), and then used a large number of European players such as Doan Ritz (Einracht Frankfurt) and Junya Ito (KRC Genk) to launch a wave offensive.

Japan, which was struggling to break through the Scottish goalkeeper's good defense, scored the winning goal in the 39th minute of the second half. On the left side, Suzuki Junnosuke's cross from Copenhagen was calmly handed back by Shigai Kento (Wolfsburg) from the gate, and Ito, who caught it, beat a defender and cut the net with a right-footed shot. Japan, which held a one-goal lead until the end of the second half, won the away game in Scotland and continued its four-game winning streak.

Unlike Hong Myung-bo Team, which bowed to a four-goal defeat against Ivory Coast, Japan showed a smooth World Cup preparation process by showing systematic pressure and concentration on its away trip to Europe. Both Plan A and B showed stable performance and proved their solid competitiveness in the finals.

Japan, which won the away match in Scotland, will now wrap up its two-match series in March against England at 3:45 a.m. on April 1 at Wembley Stadium in London. England drew 1-1 with Uruguay in its first A match in March on the 28th.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.