Kaoru Mitoma scored the only goal as Japan became the first ever Asian side to defeat England in men’s senior football. It was a fully deserved victory for Hajime Moriyasu’s team, who looked very comfortable in possession and fluid in attack. For England, it was a night to forget. Tomas Tuchel’s men were particularly poor in the first half, failing to record a shot on target.
Kaoru Mitoma Starts and Finishes Only Goal of the Night
The goal, which came on 23 minutes, was started and finished by Mitoma. He dispossessed Cole Palmer before surging past Kobbie Mainoo and setting Keito Nakamura away on the left. Nakamura, arguably Japan’s star player on the night, then squared the ball for the Brighton winger, who finished clinically. It was a slick counter-attack from the away side, who came close to doubling their lead when Ayase Ueda hit the crossbar.
Japan created more chances in the second half, with Nakamura and Ritsu Doan causing England’s full-backs problems on the flanks. The home team, missing several big names such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, looked more threatening towards the end of the game with Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire both going close. In the end, though, the Samurai Blue held out for a famous victory.
The result extends Japan’s winning streak to five matches. That run includes a stunning 3-2 comeback win over five-time World Cup winners Brazil last October. On Saturday evening, Japan deservedly defeated Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park. Junya Ito came off the bench to net the winner for Moriyasu’s side following a well-worked move involving Junnosuke Suzuki and Kento Shiogai.
Sweden, Bosnia and the Czechs Qualify for the World Cup
At the World Cup this summer, Japan will face the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden in the group stages. Sweden booked their place on the plane for the tournament after defeating Poland 3-2 in a playoff final on Tuesday. Italy, meanwhile, failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup following their loss on penalties to Bosnia. In the other European playoff, the Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalties.
