Hijame Moriyasu’s Japan beat Germany 2-1 in the opening group game at the World cup following some superb tactical in game management from the Japanese manager. He said:
“We are reaching the global standard. We are showing our capability from Asian football. When we conceded a goal, we continued. You have to be persistent, then you can go. We need to be tough until the very last minute and then we can grab this moment.”
When asked on the links within the game with the Bundesliga helping the development of these Japanese players, he added: “We are very grateful and respectful to that. Many German people have contributed & helped us in Japanese football. Today Japan won. But Japan wants to continue learning from Germany & the world.”
Two of Japan’s substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored the crucial goals to give Japan the 2-1 win. Doan equalised in the 75th minute reacting sharply from a Manuel Neuer save, whilst Takuma Asano hit a brilliant strike to beat Neuer at his near post following a superb knockdown over his shoulder.
Moriyasu identified Germany’s strengths at HT, changed the system from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3 which nullified Germany’s width and helped Japan sustain attacks whilst getting his substitutions spot on.
