Mature tactics help Japan grow up at World Cup

Honestly I think if Moriyasu-Japan plays the same against Croatia, bringing on impact subs after the break, the Croats will not be able to handle Japan. Go easy in the first, shock them in the second half. Croatia's best player Modric has been around for 2 decades. Can't see him keeping up. He played well against a terrible Belgium team- but Samurai-Blue is a different proposition.

Doan and Mitoma will tear the ageing Croat defense to ribbons. More of the same on Monday please Moriyasu-sensei! You've made history already - make some more and get to that SF!

Yesterday the article that was written by Fred was very critical of. the coach method and strategy today the writer has nothing but praise for the Japanese coach. I notice the refs are allowing plenties for fake injuries like the Messie unsuccessful roll around on the ground by getting hit in the head by a low flying alien when attempting a header.

Bad VAR helps a lot too.

Is not panicking now a tactic?

I think Spain took a back seat in this game because in the previous game Japan played, they were looking really bad. Spain fell asleep at the wheel. If Japan can do this again, then I will respect the them. A fluke at best.

@Mocheake

cry some more.

A lot of knee-jerk/"grab the simple narrative" here.

Japan win = Moriyasu is a genius!

Japan barely manage a shot against a team who conceded 11 in two games = Moriyasu is an idiot!

fwiw, I think he's a meh coach, Japan press and pressing is a very effective tactic in modern football, and it doesn't matter who you are, Man City, Liverpool, Germany, Spain, Brazil, whoever, if you fall asleep in a game, you will be punished.

Bad VAR helps a lot too.

Don't cry for me Argentinaaaaaaaa...loool..

Both of Japan and S Korea are glory of Asia, so happy for them!

All the down trodden fans who bad mouth the team and coach when they lost are all of a sudden MATURE to lol!

Japan’s tactic

lull your opponents into a state of utter boredom, play well for three minutes, back to boredom. It seems to work so why not?

Go easy in the first, shock them in the second half.

Risky tactic @Fighto! Japan got away with it against France & Spain, a third time might be pushing it. Lot's of countries have underestimated Modric & co., they are a tough bunch.

You've made history already - make some more and get to that SF!

What 'history'? They'll have to get past Brazil before they get the chance of a big, pulsating semi against Argentina.

Seems that they already won the world cup according to their local media.

Well,they have 0 world cup titles and 0 finals.

And I’m sure it will stay like this.

Football is tradition,and as usual in the end will be a matter between European and South American teams.

Japan got away with it against France & Spain,

Apologies, Germany & Spain

"You're surprised, right?" he asked reporters after the game. "We're not surprised. You're surprised." Japanese modesty strikes again!

Well,they have 0 world cup titles and 0 finals.

And I’m sure it will stay like this.

Football is tradition,and as usual in the end will be a matter between European and South American teams.

Same post, different day. I think your salt has already surpassed Dead Sea levels.

You're surprised, right?" he asked reporters after the game. "We're not surprised. You're surprised." Japanese modesty strikes again!

Nothing wrong with Moriyasu being confident. He is one of the top international managers in the world - and he knows he has a team now that can match it with anyone. From now on, no one will take Samurai-Blue lightly.

He is one of the top international managers in the world

I think this is going a little bit too far.

In the world? A top international manager would be both well known, and also be able to put out a team that could match fellow minnows like Costa Rica.

You're a little bit fickle, Fighto. Weren't you calling for his head a few days ago?

Funny that some of the posters here that are overreacting for some fortunate events of Japan are already magnifying everything.

Seriously some posters think that this Moriyama guy is a new Arrigo Sacchi or Sir Alex Ferguson just because he got lucky in a few games.

And it’s football not soccer.

You're a little bit fickle, Fighto. Weren't you calling for his head a few days ago?

Nope. I wanted to know his rationale behind making 5 changes for the Costa Rica game. Seemed like he rested them due to over-confidence - but he provided a decent explanation. His game management has been superb so no matter what happens I take my hat off to Moriyasu-sensei.

it is encouraging to feel and witness the confidence of Japan manager and players.

Croatia tie will require a level of tactical skills, may I suggest also a level of preparation that many, including England took for granted, when Croatia reached the final in 2018.

If it turns out he was resting/rotating players because Costa Rica was a "sure victory", he needs to be sacked.

@fighto

Fair enough.

The Blue Samurai are keeping everyone on their toes. Rival footballers, team managers, and fans of potential rivals are expecting testing times from Japan, the land of the Rising Sun.