Japan showcased their superior quality and attacking depth in a convincing 3-0 friendly victory over Bolivia in November. The comfortable win marked a memorable occasion for the national team, as it sealed Hajime Moriyasu's 100th match as head coach with an impressive performance and a clean sheet. Despite several lineup changes, the Samurai Blue proved too strong, exhibiting the technical precision and tactical maturity that has become their hallmark.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone
Coach Moriyasu utilized the friendly to assess his squad depth, making seven changes to the starting lineup compared to their previous match against Ghana on November 14th. The tactical adjustments paid immediate dividends, as Japan opened the scoring just four minutes into the game.
The goal originated from a brilliant piece of individual skill on the right wing, where Kubo Takefusa executed a decisive break. He delivered a high, accurate cross into the penalty area. Kamada Daichi, finding himself in a comfortable, unmarked position, calmly chested the ball down before finishing coolly with his left foot, slotting the ball into the back of the net. This early goal provided Japan with the immediate advantage and the confidence to control the tempo of the match.
Despite continuous attacks and several good opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half, Japan was unable to convert their dominance into further goals. The score remained 1-0 at the halftime whistle, though the home side clearly dictated the flow of play.
Substitutes Ignite Second-Half Goal Spree
The second half brought renewed attacking vigor, catalyzed by timely substitutions. It was not until the 71st minute, however, that Japan finally doubled their lead. The second goal was the result of quick thinking and fluid movement between the substitutes.
The move began with a pass from Doan Ritsu, followed by a smart run down the right wing by Nakamura Keito, who delivered a sharp cross into the box. Machino Shuto timed his run perfectly, meeting the cross with an accurate finish that put Japan up 2-0 and provided a much-needed buffer.
The third goal followed just seven minutes later, solidifying Japan’s control of the match in the 78th minute. Ueda Ayase displayed excellent skill, receiving a vertical pass from deep, drawing the attention of the Bolivian defenders. He then laid the ball off perfectly to Nakamura Keito in the center of the pitch. Despite being immediately surrounded, Nakamura utilized strong individual technique to create a sliver of space, from which he fired a powerful right-footed shot. The ball flew straight into the left corner of the goal, completing the 3-0 scoreline.
Moriyasu’s Centenary Celebrated
While Japan dominated the scoreboard, the match was not entirely flawless. The team displayed occasional missteps in ball development and were sometimes vulnerable to opposition breaks when executing their high-press strategy. However, these brief lapses did little to undermine the overall performance and the resounding 3-0 victory.
The result was a fitting tribute to Hajime Moriyasu, marking his 100th match at the helm of the national team. His tenure has been characterized by successfully integrating talented young players like Kubo and fostering a technically sound, flexible style of play.
The comfortable win over Bolivia demonstrates the depth and quality of the Japanese squad as they continue their preparations for future major tournaments. With the ability to rotate heavily and still secure decisive victories, Japan reinforces its status as one of Asia's premier footballing nations, heading into the new year with momentum and optimism.