Japan Do It Again
Japan held Netherlands to a draw at World Cup 2026 — continuing their extraordinary recent record against top European nations. Germany (2022), Spain (2022), Germany again (2024), and now Netherlands (2026). Japan pressing system is no longer a surprise — it is a pattern. And the footballing world is still struggling to find an answer to it.
How Japan Do It
Japan pressing system is among the most precisely executed in world football. They press in coordinated waves — cutting off passing lanes, forcing errors in dangerous areas, and transitioning to attack with extraordinary speed. Against Netherlands, they created four clear chances in the first half despite spending only 38% of the time with the ball.
Netherlands Response
Netherlands dominated possession but struggled to create quality chances against Japan organised defensive block. Their wide players — Gakpo and Bergwijn — were neutralized by Japan disciplined defensive shape. Memphis Depay, returning from injury, came on as a substitute and provided more creativity — but not enough to find a winner.
Japan Knockout Potential
If Japan advance from the group — which is now highly likely — they become one of the most dangerous teams in the knockout rounds. Their pressing system, applied to a single-elimination match, is extraordinarily difficult to play against. Remember Japan against Spain in 2022. Japan against whoever they face in the Round of 32 could be the upset of the tournament.
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