[Oakland (California) on the 6th (7th in Japan time) = Sato Naruhito]The Japanese national team (17th in the FIFA rankings) drew 0-0 with the Mexico national team (13th in the same year) in an international friendly match. The defense from the front line got hooked, and he was able to get a sense of his fighting style, taking the lead. There were times when they were pushed completely away, but the draw was better than the tough opponents who had been losing four consecutive games. While the players expressed their confidence, they also expressed their frustration of not being able to win. Next up will be facing the US national team on the 9th (10th) in Columbus, Ohio.

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When the whistle was heard at the end of the game, home supporters were hit with a big boo in Mexico. Japan is in a rival territory with over 45,000 people gathering, and has dominated against Mexico, which has been weak with 1 win and 4 losses. The result is 0-0. Midfielder Kubo, who was active both offensive and defensively, was brave and said, “I think this was stronger, so that was good. It may be a shame that they ended up in a draw, but looking at the content, there's no problem.”

I pushed it in from the first half. He set up short counters with his linked defense, creating opportunities one after another. Midfielder Minamino, who shone in the shadows along with Kubo, said, “Just as scouted, the press prepared worked out.” He tested the offensive three-back against a strong opponent who overwhelmed Asia. It is undeniable that there is a lack of decisiveness, but the build-up of the final line, which has been a number of injured people, has also stabilized, and his style of taking the lead was definitely valid.

They aim to compete in a different way than in the 2022 World Cup Qatar tournament. Last time, they defeated Germany and Spain in a row with a defensive way of solidifying their blocks. It surprised the world, but back then, there was only way to win by solidifying your defense. It's different this time. He deepens his tactics to defeat powerful forces aggressively on the stage, approaching nine months in the future.

“The content of the match would be like if they were to advance to the final 16 and eight if they were to advance to the World Cup.” As President Miyamoto of the Japan Association, if they can't win a good game, they won't reach the goal of the world's best. “We had to show off our competitive strength as well as being a good team. It's a bit frustrating because we wanted to show that,” Minamino said. With solid results and challenges in mind, he will take on the two-day match against the United States.

[Japan National Team]Moriyasu Japan draws against difficult enemy Mexico / Live news details