Japan's unexpected 2-4 defeat to Croatia in the World Cup Round of 16 not only stopped them in their tracks, but also focused global attention on the deeper issues they failed to address. Despite the controversial miss in the penalty shootout, the deeper problem was their weak defense.
Looking back at the 1/8 final four years ago, Japan had a 2-0 lead over Belgium, only to lose 2-3. Although Belgium's footwork was limited, they relied on headers to turn the situation around. This time, Croatia in the backward with a header to equalize, Perisic's header to win the Japanese team is unable to return.
Japanese soccer has a long history of problems, and the shortness of the defense is clearly the biggest obstacle to its becoming a world power. Although Japanese soccer started late and physicality was once their shortcoming, the honing of basic skills, ground passing and overall soccer philosophy has always been the same. Japanese soccer's strengths are spread across all areas of the game, from youth teams to girls' school soccer to beach soccer. However, in the highly competitive field of adult men's soccer, Japan has always borne the brunt, with heading becoming their Achilles' heel.
As the tournament came to an end, Shuichi Gonda couldn't hide his disappointment and said emotionally, "I did my best, but obviously it wasn't enough. I hope to live each of the next four years to the fullest." Maaya Yoshida was even more blunt, "This result, it's so frustrating." The core of Japan's defense seems to have felt the shadow of despair.
