A lot of people are realizing how good Japan are, they’re one of the most disciplined teams in this competition. They might not always have the biggest stars or the most expensive squad, but what they lack in individual hype they make up for with organization, intelligence and teamwork.
Every player knows his role, they press together, defend together and attack with purpose. Against bigger nations they never look intimidated, it’s how they beat the likes of Spain, Germany, Brazil, England in recent time, and that mentality has become one of their biggest strengths. You can see it in the way they keep their shape, recycle possession and stay patient even when under pressure.
At this point, calling Japan a dark horse is probably outdated. They’re no longer a team capable of causing an upset once in a while, they’re becoming a team that top nations genuinely have to prepare for. If you switch off for a moment against them, they’ll punish you. That’s the level they’ve reached.
A Japan side full of character! 🇯🇵
An outstanding second half and a remarkable reaction earned Japan a precious draw against the Netherlands, a result that feels like a true victory.
A huge confidence boost for this group and the perfect way to begin this World Cup journey with renewed ambition and hope.
Let’s go, Japan! 🔥⚽🇯🇵
🚨Jamie Carragher on the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener:
🗣️ “I don’t want to hear people saying this was an unlucky result for the Netherlands.
Let’s be honest, Japan deserved enormous credit for what they did tonight.
Before the game, most people expected the Dutch to control the match and take all three points.
Instead, Japan showed exactly why they’re one of the most dangerous teams in international football.
They were organised, aggressive and brave in possession.
What disappointed me was the Netherlands’ mentality after taking the lead.
At times they looked comfortable and assumed the game would take care of itself.
Japan punished them for that.
You can forgive mistakes.
You can forgive conceding goals.
But you cannot switch off at a World Cup.
Japan never stopped believing.
They kept pressing, kept running and kept asking questions.
That’s why they got their reward.
The Netherlands have quality players all over the pitch, but quality alone doesn’t win World Cups.
The best teams combine talent with discipline, concentration and hunger.
Tonight Japan looked hungrier.
The Dutch will look at the result and think they dropped two points.
I look at the performance and think they were fortunate not to lose all three.
Japan arrived believing they could compete with anyone.
The Netherlands arrived expecting to win.
There’s a big difference between those two mindsets.
And that’s why we’re talking about a 2-2 draw instead of a Dutch victory.”
{@SkyNews }