*This content was translated by AI.
Japanese media cheered the tactics of Hajime Moriyasu (58), head coach of their national football team.
Japan's "Hochi Shimbun" reported on the 15th that "the meticulous design prepared by Coach Hajime Moriyasu led to a draw against the Netherlands," adding that "the Japanese national team brought out a tactical secret they had kept hidden for a long time, catching the strong Netherlands off guard."
Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in the Group F opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA, on this day.
The media noted that "Coach Moriyasu threw a carefully concealed game-changing move today," pointing out that he started Daizen Maeda as a left-sided attacker.
Until now, Maeda has mainly played as a left wing-back in a 3-6-1 formation. The media explained, "Coach Moriyasu used all 11 substitution cards in the match against Iceland last May but still carefully preserved Maeda. Even in open training sessions, Maeda only played as a wing-back or a right-sided attacker."
It continued, "Maeda, who played as a left-sided attacker in the match against the Netherlands, contributed immensely to the team with his tremendous work rate. Doan Ritsu and Kubo Takefusa even called him the 'hidden MVP,' praising Maeda's performance."
It was also praised for its tactical change in a crisis situation. When Japan trailed 1-2, they switched to a back four in a 4-4-2 formation. The media reported, "They simultaneously brought on defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and Yuki Suga, and attacker Koki Ogawa. The flustered Netherlands responded by adding a center-back to form a back five, but they could not stop Japan's offense."
It further analyzed, "Japan actively attempted crosses by utilizing Yuki Suga, who was in good condition during training. While Tomiyasu blocked the wide space behind, they actively used the height of the two strikers. They placed the decisive Keito Nakamura on the left, completing an attacking pattern of 'breaking down on the right and finishing on the left.'"
Japan, which previously reversed a 3-4-3 to a back three in the group stage match against Germany at the 2022 Qatar tournament to secure a comeback victory and create a major upset, now did the opposite by switching from a back three to a back four to score a precious equalizer.
The media reported, "Coach Moriyasu, who has led the Yeon Sok (CEO) team in two tournaments, confused the Netherlands' defense with tactics meticulously calculated to align with the ultimate goal."
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*This content was translated by AI.
