ESPN, Japan’s high rating, “The real enemy is not Croatia, but inner fear.”
The U.S. sports media ESPN highly praised Japanese soccer. It is a nuance that seems to be a step above Croatia.
ESPN pointed out on the 5th (Korea Standard Time) that “Japan’s biggest obstacle is not Croatia, but the wall of the round of 16.”
Japan has never crossed the round of 16 in the World Cup.
ESPN said, “Japan is no stranger to the round of 16 at the World Cup. In the last five tournaments, Japan went to the round of 16 three times. But then I never stepped on it. That makes Samurai Blue’s round of 16 more interesting,’ he explained.
Japan settled in the round of 16 at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, the 2010 South Africa World Cup, and the 2018 Russia World Cup, followed by the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
In particular, the round of 16 match between Japan and Belgium in 2018 is one of the best matches in World Cup history. At that time, Belgium was at the peak of the golden generation’s skills, including Romelo Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Eden Hazard.
Japan led 2-0 until the beginning of the second half by showing its unique “Sushi-taka.” Belgium, which was in a tight spot, succeeded in reversing the situation by responding with tactics that put physical at the forefront. Belgium wrote a 3-2 reversal drama in the second half. For Japan, it was a come-from-behind defeat by Korea, which missed the quarterfinals in front of its eyes.
ESPN said, “The biggest obstacle for Japan to reach the quarterfinals is not the opponent. It’s a doubt lurking in their minds. It will be the biggest test mentally. It is an intangible wall that many superstars, including Hidetoshi Nakata, Shunsuke Nakamura, and Keisuke Honda, have not overcome,’ he pointed out.
Croatia is the runner-up team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. ESPN said, ‘Croatia will physically disrupt Japan. Members such as Ivan Peri치i, and Matteo Kovaci 등 are spectacular, with the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric at the center. Croatia lost only one goal in the group stage,’ he said, expecting a very tight match with Japan.
ESPN stressed, “The most important obstacle for Japan to overcome is the invisible wall of the Round of 16.”