Croatia advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup as they secured the victory by winning the penalty shootout. Both teams scored a goal each, but ultimately the occasion and the pressure that came with the shootout proved too much for Japan. Dominik Livaković’s three saves from the spot kick will go down in […]
On the back foot, a goal behind, and suffering in a low block, Japan had given up their spot in the knockout stages. But their manager’s masterful, befitting the tradition of his nation, pulled through in the second half to produce one of the most dramatic nights to grace the World Cup. Tactical analysis and […]
Germany famously fell victim to the curse of the champions in 2018 when they crashed out of Group F after losing their opening game against Mexico and failing to beat one of the 2002 hosts in South Korea. Both of those things have happened in 2022 as well now, as Japan started off their campaign […]
Uruguay’s vertical and intense approach made this a game revolving around direct play, counterpressing and counterattacks. Uruguay’s possession was fairly ineffective in the first half, but looked dangerous in the second half, especially when Japan sat deeper and Uruguay could send cross after cross into a packed penalty box. Ultimately, they were unable to find […]
Chile’s efficient finishing proved to be the difference as Chile hit four past a young Japanese team. A score line that did not reflect the game’s events. Japan’s 4-4-2 shape broke-up Chile’s play, before movement between the lines and a change in passing style gave Chile much better options. Tactical analysis and match report by […]