World Cup Sweden vs Japan
Japan
Round 1: 2-2 draw with the Netherlands; Round 2: a stunning 4-0 victory over Tunisia
Advantage: smooth ground-based build-up and possession play; Kaoru Mitoma and Junya Ito are fast on the flanks; the midfield shows strong continuous penetration ability; the pace of transitions between attack and defense is quick
Sweden
Round 1: 5-1 rout of Tunisia; Round 2: a 1-5 crushing defeat to the Netherlands
Advantage: the whole team is notably tall; strong aerial balls and set-piece threats; the forwards Isak and Gyokeres' physical duels are top level
Shortcomings: the back line turns/recovers slowly; large space behind them; they fear small, quick, and agile players making consecutive runs through the lines; the midfield is thin on defensive coverage
#BinancePickAndWin
Japan
Round 1: 2-2 draw with the Netherlands; Round 2: a stunning 4-0 victory over Tunisia
Advantage: smooth ground-based build-up and possession play; Kaoru Mitoma and Junya Ito are fast on the flanks; the midfield shows strong continuous penetration ability; the pace of transitions between attack and defense is quick
Sweden
Round 1: 5-1 rout of Tunisia; Round 2: a 1-5 crushing defeat to the Netherlands
Advantage: the whole team is notably tall; strong aerial balls and set-piece threats; the forwards Isak and Gyokeres' physical duels are top level
Shortcomings: the back line turns/recovers slowly; large space behind them; they fear small, quick, and agile players making consecutive runs through the lines; the midfield is thin on defensive coverage
#BinancePickAndWin