Why were the Japanese national team unable to take control of the match even though they were giving England possession of the ball? We will provide a thorough explanation of how Moriyasu Japan was able to control the match in a situation that at first glance looked like it was being forced. The core of the tactics developed by coach Hajime Moriyasu is the idea that “defense is not passive.” By intentionally allowing the opponent to keep possession of the ball, they limited the playing area and created a situation in which England’s strong individual players were unable to function. In the midfield, Wataru Endo played a central role in blocking the flow with space management and the strength of his duels. On the front line, Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo launch “high-quality counters” that can quickly change the situation even with a small chance. Furthermore, on the final line, Ko Itakura and his team controlled the line calmly, minimizing opportunities for opponents to score. In this video, we take a deep dive into the tactical structure and aims of Moriyasu Japan, how they took control of the game against the mighty England, focusing on the essence of modern soccer that “possessing the ball does not mean controlling the match.” Be sure to watch until the end to learn about “Understanding tactics without being fooled by appearances.” What did you think of this match? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments! #Japan National Team #Moriho Japan #Japan Soccer National Team #England National Team #Tactical Analysis #Overseas Reactions #Kaoru Mitoma #Wataru Endo #Takefusa Kubo #Akira Itakura #Soccer Commentary #World Cup 2026 #SamuraiBlue #football
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