2023 Women’s World Cup: Japan showed off its versatility in knockout stage win

Through unselfishness, patience, and plenty of tactical brilliance, the Japanese WNT has been the most dominant team at the Women’s World Cup, heading into the quarterfinals after a 3-1 triumph over Norway 

Two completely different ways of playing. The same result.

Against Spain, the Japanese only managed to hold just 23 percent of the ball. None of that mattered when the Asian outfit found the back of the net four times. With Hege Riise’s Norway as the knockout stage opponent, the 2011 world champions controlled the game with crisp, sharp passing. From the opening minute of that match, the Norwegians were on the back foot. Though the first goal of quite lucky, it has to be said the Group C winner deserved it with the assertive play style it came out of the gate with.

An astounding seven Japanese players had a passing completion percentage of 80 percent of higher. The Asian powerhouse had exactly 200 more touches on the football than its opponent in the knockout stage. Even in a game where the possession was mainly theirs, the Asian outfit still found a way to break through defensive lines by way of quick transitional play.

With Futoshi Ikeda at the helm, Japan has looked like a runaway freight train heading into the quarterfinals of this World Cup. Four teams have tried. All of failed. Norway was the first to find the back of the net, but the Japanese press ultimately proved to be too much for the European power to handle. Led by Hinata Miyazawa in the front line, Ikeda’s team has put on a clinic defined by selflessness, technicality, and patience.

The last time someone in Japanese colors netted five or more goals in a World Cup, the Asian outfit went on to lift the world title. Ikeda has a coaching style that includes every player on the roster. Everyone knows their role. It is not individual brilliance that leads to winning on a stage like this. Miyazawa may be leading the way in the frontline, but almost everyone on the pitch has played a part in the success of this team to where it is right now.

Chelsea’s Maika Hamano is the only outfield player not to see the pitch yet during this tournament for Japan. Whether they are bossing possession like against the Norwegians, or remaining behind the ball waiting for a counter-attack against Spain, Japan versatility is remarkable. The Group A runners-up were constantly on the back foot, trying to play the ball out of pressure. At some point the opposition was going to fall into the trap.

Futoshi Ikeda and Japan have pushed all the right buttons heading into the World Cup quarterfinals.

If you are not convinced that this team can win a second World Cup in 2023, you are simply in denial. Though there has been limited adversity — only encountering it via Norway equalizing the contest 1-1 — there is only room to judge a team from what has transpired so far. Considering its finish in 2019, and some results leading into the tournament, many did not see Japan as potential contenders alongside the United States, and England.

There is no exact way football should be played, and this year’s Japanese team has been the perfect example of that. Goals No. 2 and No. 3 in the knockout stage highlight the different ways Japan can attack its opposition in a single half. The biggest test for this nation is yet to come. For now, it is smooth sailing. If a country left in this field is going to take down Ikeda’s side, it is going to have to play incredibly smart because the Japanese are not going to hurt themselves.

Japan’s next match will be on Friday, August 11 at 3:30 a.m. EST on FOX Sports at Eden Park against one top-three team in the FIFA rankings, the United States or Sweden.