Japan are a tough match up for Croatia because of the unique qualities they possess.
They don’t effectively press in settled play which is a flaw but they defend with 5 & try to stay in the game before exploding late on in games with guys like Mitoma and Tomiyasu off the bench.
They don’t effectively press in settled play which is a flaw but they defend with 5 & try to stay in the game before exploding late on in games with guys like Mitoma and Tomiyasu off the bench.
Croatia are a team who lack goals so although they will likely dominate possession the way Spain and Germany did against Japan and subsequently control the large majority of the game, Japan will still likely be ‘in the game’ when it’s time to make their super subs.
That’s when they try to change the flow, score in quick bursts through sustaining pressure and counterpressing off the back of that before going back to defending deep again. When those subs occur Croatia have to be super alert to continue to get their foot on the ball and pass.
Both Germany and Spain were 1-0 up before going 2-1 down in the space of a couple of minutes after Japan’s subs came on, so it’s clear Croatia will have to be ultra-prepared to counteract their energy and quality by being focused and retaining possession themselves.
Japan are largely passive and disengaged in the 1st half of games but their ability to A) stay in the game at 0-0 or even at 1-0 down and B) bring their super subs on & change the flow is unique.
Croatia are very similar to Germany/Spain. They just need to stop that flow change.
Croatia are very similar to Germany/Spain. They just need to stop that flow change.
The thing about Croatia, though, is that they fell back against Belgium & became too passive when they were in a position of strength (needed a draw to qualify). If they do that against Japan should they go 1-0 up then they run the risk of inviting Japan’s pressure on themselves.
If Japan go 1-0 up, though, that change the game theme again. Maybe they will continue to be passive for the rest of the game & only bring their super subs on to act as outlets, bring fresh legs in, etc. That is how they control games after all.
Fun game all things considered.
Fun game all things considered.
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