Kubo’s Japan, an uncomfortable rival for Spain

Japan will be one of the Spanish team’s rivals in group E of the first round of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, along with Germany and the winner of the playoffs between New Zealand and Costa Rica. Take Kubo’s team, whose coach is Hajime Moriyasu, is undoubtedly an uncomfortable opponent for any rival. With Maya Yoshida as captain, Japan directly qualified for the World Cup, as second in group B of the Asian zone, one point behind Saudi Arabia.

Japan, who do a great job on defense and are always generous in their efforts, trying to take advantage of their opportunities at speed, through direct and compelling football, started the qualifying stage poorly, with two defeats, but was able to return.

They shine with their own light on Japanese team Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal’s defender -central or lateral-), Daichi Kamada, Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder (Barcelona’s rival in the Europa League quarterfinals), Takumi Minamino (Liverpool striker), Take Kubo (Mallorca). ) and Gaku Shibasaki (Leganés). Tomisayu is, because of its versatility and strength, insurance for Japan.

The Japanese team, ranked 23rd in the FIFA world rankings, earned a spot in Qatar when they beat Australia in Sydney (0-2) with two goals in the last minute from Kaoru Mitoma, striker of the football revelation team. Belgian, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Japan, with an increasing number of players playing for European clubs, has participated in 6 World Cups and its best classification was achieved by reaching the round of 16 in 2002 (as host along with South Korea). ), 2010 and 2018. The only confrontation between Spain and the Japanese team was played in a friendly in 2001, which La Roja won 1-0.

Spain are drawn in group E, where they will face off on November 23 to start winning the playoffs between New Zealand and Costa Rica, then Germany (November 27) and finally Japan (December 1).