Pre-Match Analysis: Japan Blue Samurai Versus the Netherland Oranje

This Saturday Japan faces a Dutch monster. The last time Japan stood against such an up-hill battle, two key Japanese defenders stepped up to save the day. With an ineffective game plan, Japan relied on the brilliance of Godzilla and Mothra to suppress an aggressive King Ghidorah. It will take a similar effort to hold down the Dutch.

Playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has often suggested that Japan need to play (and perhaps lose to) more quality teams in order to progress in world football. Losing to international bottom feeders like Bahrain, and having been unseated by Australia as the best team in Asia have given Nakamura and the Blue Samurai something to prove; but as for the upcoming friendly against a very good Dutch side, Japan wins regardless of the match outcome.

Nakamura (right), having the distinction of being the only Japanese footballer to have scored in a European Champions League, knows better than most on his team about what it takes to succeed on an international level. For many of the domestic Japanese players, success in the rather low profile J. League and national victories against other Asian teams, may stifle growth rather than nurture it. Capitalism teaches us that competition is essential for progress and that complacency works against it. The same applies to sports. Without experience playing against the world's best, mediocre teams like Japan can never hope to match them. This explains the dominance (mostly) Japan have shown in Asian competition but disappointment in global platforms like the World Cup. I praise the JFA (Japan Football Association) for taking the initiative to establish a friendly against one of the world's best, and think that Saturday Sept 5, may be the most important day for team Japan since the 2006 World Cup.

Win or lose, Japan will gain invaluable experience, and fans will be delighted to see how Japan measures up against a true football powerhouse. I advise the Dutch faithful, however, to not take this match so lightly. While the Dutch squad may possess an abundance of talent on an individual basis; Japan's strength stems from a technically sound midfield, with great pace and teamwork all-around. If Japan can play the possession passing game that has flustered their Asian opponents, the Dutch may be in for a surprise.

Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk, has named the following call ups for the friendly:

Goalie:
Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax)
Piet Velthuizen (Vitesse)
Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht)

Defence:
Edson Braafheid (Bayern Munich)
Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord)
John Heitinga (Atlético Madrid)
Glenn Loovens (Celtic)
Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV)
André Ooijer (PSV)*
Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax)

Midfield:
Nigel de Jong (Manchester City)
David Mendes da Silva (AZ)
Stijn Schaars (AZ)
Wesley Sneijder (Internazionale)
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid)
Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax)

Attack:
Eljero Elia (Hamburger SV)
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan)
Dirk Kuijt (Liverpool)
Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
Ryan Babel (Liverpool)

*Ruled out due to injury; replacement has not been named

Key Things to Look For:

Winger Arjen Robben versus Side-back Atsuto Uchida

Assuming that Robben (right) and Uchida line up on the same side, this will surely be a fun duo to watch. While both players are young, Robben could fill the Titanic with world class experience and cruise through Uchida's raft. Robben has incredible pace, skill, and explosiveness that far exceeds anything that Uchida has ever played against. I'm thinking David versus Goliath here, but hey didn't David fall Goliath? Maybe Uchida has a surprise sling up his pants.

Midfielder Keisuke Honda versus Dutch Midfield

The Dutch may have the experience edge over Keisuke Honda, but nobody on either side of the pitch is hotter than Honda is now. Honda has scored 5 goals in the first 5 matches for his club VVV-Venlo, an impressive feat for a midfielder playing for a team in its first year in the top division. The Dutch players will be familiar with Honda, a rising star in the Eredivisie, but Honda will feel more at home than his teammates by playing in his club country. It will be interesting to see how the Dutch handles the young star and if Honda can continue his recent form on Dutch soil.

Strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuijt, and Robin van Persie (left) versus keeper Ryota Tsuzuki

This does not fair well for the second string keeper Tsuzuki. Regardless of who starts for the Netherlands, Tsuzuki will have his hands full, and most likely his net, with cannon shots from these three Dutch. This could be a long day for the Japanese keeper.


Takayuki Morimoto

Will he play? Recent reports out of the Japan camp suggest that an undisclosed injury to his leg may keep him out of the Sept. 5 match. He flew out of the Netherlands to see an Italian doctor by request from his club, but has not yet revealed what, if anything is wrong. A big question mark here, and troubling news for Blue Samurai fans. I have long awaited the arrival of the Chosen One to lead Japan to attacking glory. If he plays, I anticipate (maybe wishful thinking) a strong performance. If not... well I'd rather not think of it.

My Prediction:

Keisuke Honda continues his net prowess and scores early for Japan. The Empire Strikes Back and Robin Van Persie nets twice for the Oranje. Wesley Snejder grabs one as well to kill what hope we have. If Takayuki Morimoto plays, he bags a late one.

Netherlands 3 - Japan 2

Tell me how you think it plays out by leaving a comment or shooting me an e-mail.
BTW - King Ghidorah (bottom) is a badass.