Dream of Japan Round of 8 Dashed... Only 4 Times Reached Round of 16 Overall

Hope from Asia's First Consecutive Round of 16 Appearances, Defeating Germany and Spain

Japanese players expressing regret after losing in the penalty shootout

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] Following the last World Cup, Japan, which aimed for the Round of 16 for the second consecutive time and hoped to reach the quarterfinals, saw its dream shattered and now looks ahead to four years later.

On the 6th (Korean time) at Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, Qatar, in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup Round of 16 match, Japan faced Croatia and drew 1-1, finishing extra time without scoring, but lost 1-3 in a fierce penalty shootout.

Starting with the first kicker Takumi Minamino, the shots of the second kicker Kaoru Mitoma and the fourth kicker Maya Yoshida were all stopped by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovi?. Only the third kicker Takuma Asano's shot found the back of Croatia's net.

Japan is the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) member country with the most appearances in the World Cup Round of 16. They succeeded in reaching the Round of 16 for the fourth time in this tournament, following 2002, 2010, and 2018. South Korea reached the Round of 16 in the 2002, 2010, and 2022 tournaments. The best record for an AFC member country is the World Cup quarterfinals achieved by North Korea in 1966 and South Korea in 2002.

In fact, the 2018 and this year's World Cups left some regrets for Japan. In the 2018 Russia World Cup Round of 16, Japan faced Belgium and scored goals in the 3rd and 7th minutes of the second half to make it 2-0, but then conceded three consecutive goals and suffered a dramatic defeat.

In this World Cup group stage, Japan was placed in Group E, the so-called "Group of Death," which included Germany and Spain, and difficulties were expected. However, Japan performed well by defeating both countries 2-1 and advancing to the Round of 16. In the Round of 16 match against Croatia, Japan raised hopes by scoring the opening goal in the 43rd minute of the first half, but conceded an equalizer in the 10th minute of the second half, leading to a penalty shootout and eventual defeat.

However, the positive evaluations of Japan's performance in this World Cup are hopeful. Out of the 26-man squad, 19 players are based in Europe, strengthening the team’s power and defeating Germany and Spain. Although Japan was somewhat outpossessed, they ultimately secured victories with what is called "manga soccer," drawing cheers from football fans.

The tactical use of substitutions by coach Hajime Moriyasu also shone. Of the four goals scored against Germany and Spain, three were made by substitute players.

Coach Moriyasu said, "The players showed a bright future for Japanese football," adding, "We beat Germany and Spain, and if our players aim to surpass them with confidence, we can develop further."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.