In a sports program on Nagoya TV, former Japan international Yosuke Kashiwagi stated that if Japan can play solid defensive counter-attacking football, they can beat Brazil 1-0.
In the final group stage match of the Copa América in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden, advancing to the Round of 16 as group runners-up. Yosuke Kashiwagi, a former Japan international who currently plays for FC Gifu in the J3 League, analyzed Japan's match against Sweden and the upcoming knockout match against Brazil.
Q: Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden and advanced as group runners-up. What are your thoughts on this match?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: Sweden also gained valuable experience from their previous match. It was a competitive game where both sides were fighting to advance to the knockout stage. Both teams were cautious in the first half, but the intensity increased in the second half. Japan became more defensive in the closing stages, and Sweden also aimed to secure second place.
Q: Which players caught your attention?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: Ao Tanaka and Daizen Maeda, especially Daizen Maeda. He scored a goal and was very committed on defense. His defensive contributions were especially valuable for the backline, which was very evident. In my opinion, maintaining that intensity for 90 minutes is nearly impossible.
Q: Ao Tanaka's ripped socks also drew attention?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: Socks can feel restrictive, so some players intentionally cut them to relieve that pressure. Keito Nakamura also wore very short socks, which became a talking point as well.
Q: Yuto Nagatomo came on in the 30th minute of the second half. What was the reason?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: I believe it was to reinforce the team's mentality that "a draw would be acceptable." Perhaps he played with the feeling that this might be his last national team appearance. His presence lifted the atmosphere of the entire Japanese team.
Q: You also played for the Japan national team at the same time as Yuto Nagatomo?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: If I were to say "which footballer do I respect most," I would still say Nagatomo. When we played together in the U-23s, he wasn't as strong then, but he said "I want to become a Japan international," and he really achieved that goal. I would sometimes wonder if he needed a headband with such short hair, but from a morale-boosting perspective, it was very passionate. To consistently play as a Japan international is truly remarkable.
Q: The knockout stage will be against football powerhouse Brazil. What are your thoughts?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: No matter which team we face, they are all strong, so it makes no difference. The players all say "we want to win the FIFA World Cup," and regardless of the opponent, they will approach it with the intention of winning. I think they will just feel that they are meeting Brazil a bit earlier. Brazil is a team with outstanding attacking power, but they defend very solidly, having conceded only 1 goal. In the midfield, they give opponents a fair amount of space for possession and ball handling, but once they score first, it gives them momentum, so the Japanese team must keep a clean sheet for as long as possible.
Q: Who is a key player to watch on the defensive end?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Without him, Japan might have already been eliminated. Ideally, the opponent wouldn't get any shots on goal, but his saves boost the team's morale. In terms of distribution, Zion Suzuki is also excellent, so I think we might see him make passes that initiate attacks.
Q: Please predict the score for the match against Brazil?
Yosuke Kashiwagi: I hope Japan wins 1-0. Just defend, defend, and then counter-attack. Players like Junya Ito make quick runs forward and score. I think Japan will have a chance when they defend well and successfully win the ball back. It could also end 0-0 or 1-1 and go to a penalty shootout, but if it comes to that, Japan has Zion Suzuki, so they will win. Japan must win—everyone is preparing for victory, so please cheer them on.
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