It’s an evolution that’s been compared to the turbulent national soccer team, the Klinsmanns. It’s the ‘eternal rivalry’ of Japanese soccer.
Japan proved that last year’s World Cup success in Qatar was no fluke by defeating the ‘tank army’ Germany.
The Japan national team, led by Hajime Moriyasu, defeated Germany 4-1 in a friendly A match at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany, on Tuesday (Sept. 10).
Japan was drawn with Germany in Group E at last November’s World Cup in Qatar, where they came from behind to win 2-1 and also defeated eventual champions Spain 2-1 to top their group and advance to the round of 16. Ten months later, the return match was in Germany’s own backyard, and it was an A-match in which the Japanese literally owned the Germans.
After taking an early lead through Junya Ito in the 11th minute, the Japanese equalized eight minutes later through Leroy Sane. But they didn’t let up and took the lead again. In the 22nd minute, Ayase Ueda controlled a pass from Ito and slotted home a second goal.
Japan’s momentum continued in the second half. Ito’s left-footed shot early on put Germany on the back foot and pushed for more offense. In the 44th minute, Takuma Asano scored the third goal after being assisted by Takefusa Kubo on a counterattack, and then in stoppage time, Ao Tanaka finished off Kubo’s pass for the fourth goal to seal the victory.
Japan attempted 11 shots on goal on the day, nearly four times as many as Germany (three). Throughout the match, Japan’s sharp pressing, quick transitions, and goal-scoring were reminiscent of last year’s World Cup Round of 16 team.
Japan faced the same opponents as Korea (Peru and El Salvador) in a doubleheader of A matches in June. While Korea lost 0-1 to Peru and drew 1-1 with El Salvador, Japan first swept El Salvador 6-0 and then defeated Peru 4-1.
It was their third straight win in A matches until today’s match against Germany. 카지노사이트
More importantly, South Korea has been making noise under Jürgen Klinsmann. Since taking over the reins in March, Klinsmann has lost public trust due to his frequent outings and attendance controversies. South Korea is winless in five games (three draws and two losses) since taking over, including a 0-0 draw against Wales on Aug. 8 in a lackluster display of colorless football.
South Korea has a match against Saudi Arabia in Newcastle, England, on Sept. 13, but in the meantime, there has been a lot of buzz about Klinsmann’s participation in the Chelsea-Munich Legends Match in England. Although Klinsmann has weighed the public opinion and finally informed his teammates that he will not be participating, the unnecessary noise has not gone unnoticed.
We can’t help but wonder what Klinsmann, who mentions winning the Asian Cup next January, is thinking about the actions of his ‘rivals’ Japan.