Confederations Cup 2013: Japan left to ponder their Samurai Blues

In their 5th appearance in the Confederations Cup competition, Japan got off to a slow start against favourites and host nation Brazil. But despite the upsetting 3-0 scoreline against them, they did not go down without a fight.

After getting pegged back in the 3rd minute by Neymar‘s brilliant strike, Japan picked themselves right up and ruffled quite a few feathers through Keisuke Honda’s brilliance. He tested Julio Cesar minutes after the opening goal with a long range free-kick from near the sideline, which the Brazilian number 12 somehow managed to parry away. Another shot by Honda from the edge of the box forced the keeper to spill it and scoop it up again.

Shinji Kagawa showed considerable improvement in his play, benefiting from his complete season in the Premier League with Manchester United. He dropped into spaces quite often and effectively supported as well as created quite a few Japan attacks in the first half. He impressed with his superb dribbling skills and quick feet, which caused the Brazilian defence quite a few nervous moments.

Japan, however, lacked the overall edge in their attack. Although they created a few chances, they lacked an out and out striker who could convert half chances into goals. Julio Cesar looked jittery at times, and the the Japanese attack should have capitalised on that. Ryoichi Maeda came on as a 51st minute substitute for Hiroshi Kiyotake and tested the keeper a few times from long range. Their penetration into the Brazilian penalty box was low.

The Japanese defence was too generous, given the fact that they were playing against the 5-time World Champions with an attack force containing the likes of Neymar, Hulk, Oscar. They missed too many opportunities to clear the ball, which resulted in Brazil running rings around their defence. Not taking away the brilliance from Neymar’s strike, it might have been prevented if he had been closed down faster. Kawashima, the Japanese number 1, was at fault in the second goal. He should have done better than to let the Paulinho strike slip under his hands.

The Japanese national team players in Europe are doing well and playing important roles in their respective clubs. Their improvement at the club level is being reflected in the national team but still they have a long way to go to feature among the elite in the world. There is significant scope for improvement in their teamwork and cohesiveness which they need to address before next year’s showpiece event.