After the three big triumphs, Japan ground to win against defensive side – mentally matured Japan could beat any type of team now

It was a convincing victory over Tunisia. On 17th October, Japan beat them by a 2-0 scoreline, recording 17 shots and allowing the opponents to shoot only one time. Japan has now won six international matches in a row. 

“I had thought it would be a very difficult game and it ended exactly so,” said Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri after the match in Kobe. “Japan has had good results. They are very aggressive, fast, and well-trained. Our players defended well but had hardly any shooting chances. I think this was a good experience for us and I’m satisfied with the players’ endeavor. I congratulate Japan for the win and we now gave the Kirin Cup trophy back to them.”

Tunisia had won over Japan by 3-0 last year

As the manager said, Tunisia beat Japan by 3-0 in their last encounter in June last year. In the match, Tunisia defended well and gradually got their rhythm to score three after 55 minutes. In other words, Japan couldn’t hold their nerve against the defensive side and collapsed. 

Fast forward 16 months, Japan showed a different character with maturity, confidence, and quality. During that time, they beat South Korea, the USA, Spain, and Germany twice. 

“I think we were now able to play without being in a hurry,” said Takehiro Tomiyasu after the match. “In the first half, we had some chances but couldn’t score (until the 43rd minute), but we didn’t panic and got a goal. It was a game with a lot to gain.”

I think this improvement mainly comes down to their experience in the top level of club football. Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton and Hove Albion) compete in the Premier League, as well as Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) plays in La Liga. Celtic pair Hatate Reo and Kyogo Furuhashi achieved the Scottish domestic treble last season and have got tastes of high-end football in the Champions League for two consecutive seasons. 

They all have brought the experience back to the Japan camp. Coach Hajime Moriyasu is a good listener and willing to accept those players’ ideas. In the end, the manager of course decides starting lineups and tactics, but this nice man has created a good atmosphere. You can feel the vibes when you get close to the national team now. 

The future must be bright for Japan

In this autumn international friendlies, Japan got three big wins against Germany (4-1), Turkey (4-2), Canada (4-1) and broke the solid defense of Tunisia with a cleansheet. That should mean Japan can claim a victory against any type of team (they have had difficulty with South American sides though). 

It is a great sign for the second qualifiers of the World Cup 2026 starting next month and the Asian Cup next January.