Japan is a miracle for the 2022 World Cup after defeating Germany in the preliminary Group E match for the 2022 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar with a score of Germany, 2-1. And in the same stadium, Khalifa Al Rayyan on the outskirts of Doha City, Japan also beat the two giants of world football, Spain.
The bushido spirit, which was inherited from the moral courage of the samurai style, further proved Japan as the representative team of Asia which has now turned into a fearsome team. What makes Japan go crazy at the 2022 World Cup cannot be separated from the many Japanese players who are now playing for elite European teams. This was recognized by Jose Mourinho, who always selects players with great detail and thoroughness.
Japanese players play in Europe, taking advantage of their “pro ball school” opportunities in European teams. They are developing quickly and understand how to play at a high level. Japanese players are also smart at exploring the mentality of European players, they continue to hone their own mentality and focus more on team play than individuals which European players have always shown.
They apply the principle, take the good, reduce the bad. However, the Asian team’s strength still rests on the team’s strength, because individually players from Asia are still below European players in general. Only players who have played in Europe understand the strategies and tactics of European players. And the next test that observers and round-skinned spectators all over the world have been waiting for is the Japan-Croatia match, which is known for its tactical play. Will Japan make a third surprise with its bushido spirit?
Naturally, Japanese supporters celebrate the victory of their favorite team with great joy. The joy of Japan’s victory over Germany and Spain is not only the pride of The Blue Samurai but also the supporters of Asian football and perhaps the world who are always surprised by their game.
The European team was shocked by Japan’s move, and observers hailed the surprise as a miracle that made this global ball party even more interesting to enjoy. Walter Sabatini, sporting director of Italian clubs, namely Lazio, AS Roma, Bologna and now Salernitana, expressed the same appreciation. He observes that the advantage of Japanese players, for example, is in Takehiro Tomiyasu, who played for Bologna before moving to Arsenal.
Even Sabatini intends to sign several Japanese players after the World Cup later. He also praised other Asian players such as Kim Min-jae (South Korea) at Napoli. According to him, these Asian players have the talent to stay focused and be able to practice the coach’s instructions on the field.
The euphoria was getting warmer ahead of the next matches, and in the group stage, Japan’s game was indeed difficult to predict. Even though they lost at the start against Costa Rica, they jumped high when they hit Spain — a bullfighter team that is also highly respected by its opponents.
They showed a relentless performance, even though they seemed to be declining at times, they quickly jumped back up high. Reminiscent of the comical spirit of Tsubasa—a soccer player in a very popular Japanese comic series. And in fact the story of the enthusiasm of the Japanese players this time, is indeed like a story in a comic.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu, has proven his words, to play in totality which shows the true Japanese spirit that is proud of him. Their matches are truly inspiring. As soon as people hear Japanese spirits, people immediately think of bushido spirits. The warrior path, bushido, is the code of conduct and morals for the samurai. For centuries, especially since the Meiji restoration, Japanese people have lived bushido and made it the foundation of their culture.
Bushido influences the actions of Japanese people in many areas of life, including business and politics. According to observers, their politics, business and sports in modern times are also heavily colored by the bushido spirit. The nickname “Blue Samurai” for the Japanese team presumably refers to this spirit.
That the most interesting point of learning from “bushido” is overcoming fear of yourself, not fear of your opponent. When each individual has that strength, he becomes a great strength in a team. This is what Japan practiced during the match at the 2022 World Cup event in Doha Qatar, and it proved successful!
In addition to building self-confidence, learning from opponents with respect for opponents is also a form of bushido spirit that is practiced by samurai. Because in principle a samurai warrior must have respect for the opponent, both before and after the fight. And that is shown by Japan in every game they play.
But can the bushido spirit, fighting never give up until the end, be able to overthrow Croatia with the strength of Luka Modric the genius in the Croatian team?. Moreover, Croatia is known as a very creative offensive team. So the Japan versus Croatia match, is one of the most anticipated preliminary round final matches.
Frankly, until this moment I still hope that Japan will continue to walk, even if it can, I’m waiting for the third surprise. It’s not impossible that the bushido spirit, coupled with the experience of several Japanese players in European elite teams, will be able to prove a new surprise for us. And that means Japan will be able to break Croatia’s immortality.
ASL
