Japan’s lineup was filled with impressive names on the opening match day. Yet, their performance was rather underwhelming.
The starting line up of Japan promised plenty against Brazil. The fleet footed Shinji Kagawa was just one of the stars of the show. Bundesliga stars Shinji Okazaki, Atsuto Uchida and Makoto Hasebe took the pitch. Hiroshi Kiyotake was a surprise starter; he also plays in Germany. Yet, for all the experience these players have accumulated, more often than not, it was Keisuke Honda dragging them through the match.

Whether Japan failed tactically or physically is hard to tell. The Bundesliga is a physical league; the strength of the Bundesliga stars was there for all to see in the UEFA Champions League finale. The Japanese seemed to be unable to compete with the physicality of the Brazilians. Their only tactic seemed to be the counterattack.

Time and again, the counterattacks broke down because either Thiago Silva or Luiz Gustavo, two very savvy “play breakers” intercepted. It was rather uncomfortable to watch such a good set of players be so limited in their approach. Japan could have even pressed Brazil high up the pitch but just would not. Perhaps, they just could not.

Their loss makes the next match a true ‘do or die’ contest. Italy is waiting for them. And Italy’s recent track record speaks a lot about them. Italy has impressed with their style of play. However, the style is not impressive enough to win matches regularly. Italy has often won by slender margins. The Azure have almost become “grinders.”

Against Mexico, after they took the lead, they showed the mentality of champions. In the last few minutes, Mexico really did come at them but Italy held firm. In fact, the blues have not really gotten rid of some of their old antics. Diving and playacting are still very much a part of their philosophy. However, under Cesare Prandelli, they have found the set of players to play possession based football, a perfect style for an Italian side mixed with players of all ages. They can also counterattack decently.

How will Japan tackle this Italy side exactly though? First of all, they have to be up to the task physically. They cannot be bullied so easily. Most of them play in a league where they often have to fight with players much bigger and stronger than them. They use their agility and speed to get by. This should be the case again for them. They can stick to counterattacking at speed; they must take each and every one of their chances. Shinji Okazaki had a great chance to score against Brazil when 2-0 down but missed. A goal could have revived Japan.

Japan’s dependency on Honda has to reduce in this match. They have to play as a team because Italy under Prandelli is a united outfit and will punish them almost as badly as Brazil did if they exhibit the level of performance they did on the opening day.

Will Japan be up to the job?