Four Hurdles Hindering Kubo Takefusa’s Inclusion in the Japanese National Soccer Team for the Paris Olympics

Group stage matchups are also tough. Japan will start with the China match on the 16th, followed by the UAE match on the 19th and the match against South Korea on the 22nd. Securing a top-two spot is considered extremely difficult. Particularly, the rivalry between China and South Korea is intense, and they are expected to challenge Japan with the determination of “cannot lose to Japan”.

 

Even if they advance past the group stage, Qatar or Australia awaits in the quarterfinals. Qatar is a powerhouse that has won consecutive Asian Cups, with the advantage of playing at home. Australia excels in physical aspects such as height and strength, and they are confident in aerial battles and long balls, which Japan struggles with. They are undoubtedly formidable opponents.

 

If they manage to overcome these challenges and reach the semifinals, they are likely to face teams from the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia or Iraq. For Saudi Arabia, neighboring country Qatar is like playing at home, and Iraq is a team that even the full national team struggled against in the Asian Cup. It won’t be easy to win.

 

If they lose here, they will have to compete in the third-place play-off, but if they finish fourth, they will enter the playoff against African teams. Japan has no experience in playoff matches, making it an unknown challenge. They must somehow defend their position within the top three.

 

“There is pressure, but overcoming pressure is what takes you to the next stage, the next phase. I think the players are aware of that, but to become a strong team, we have to walk that path,” said newly appointed JFA President Tsuyoshi Miyamoto (47) at the end of March. However, if Japan fails to qualify for the Olympics, it could be a significant blow to Japanese football, affecting future tournaments like the 2026 North American World Cup. Coach Oiwa and the players need to give their all. Especially players like Hosoya, who is the ace, and Fujita, who has experience with the A team, are required to lead the team strongly.

 

There are no big stars known throughout Japan in Oiwa Japan. However, if they can show remarkable progress here, public perception will change. How many individuals will emerge with the determination to overturn low evaluations remains to be seen. Now is the time for the ambition and energy of the youth to be fully displayed without regrets.