Japan lost 2-4 to Croatia and were suspended again from the World Cup Top 16. Looking at the game itself, many may have blamed the penalty takers in the penalty shootout for Japan's defeat. The truth is that Japan still has a persistent problem that they have not addressed, and that is their ability to defend the air.
In the 1/8 final four years ago, Japan had a 2-0 lead over Belgium, but eventually reversed it 2-3. At that time, Belgium blew the comeback against Japan with a header when they had little to do with their feet. Four years later, Croatia equalized with a header from behind, and Perisic's header ended up preventing Japan from winning the match in regulation time.
So the problem that has not been solved in Japanese soccer for years is the lack of air defense.
Indeed, outsiders can see the reasons why Japanese soccer has been able to succeed. Although a late start and physical condition did become constraints for Japan to become a top team, the hard practice of basic skills, ground pass control and overall soccer philosophy never changed. The strength of Japanese soccer is definitely not just at the national team level, but includes national youth, national junior, girls' school soccer, futsal beach soccer, and more. However, in the most competitive adult men's soccer game, Japan always falls under the header, which is the biggest constraint for Japan to become a world-class powerhouse.
After the match, Shuichi Gonda expressed his frustration, saying, "I've tried my best in these four years, but I haven't done enough, and I hope to cherish every day in the next four years." Ma Yoshida also lost it, saying, "This result, it's so frustrating." The heart of Japan's defense does smack of desperation.
