Japan shocked the World Cup with a second come-from-behind victory against a European superpower in little over a week, and now former J.League star Jay Bothroyd says they can go even further.
The Samurai Blue had already made themselves the talk of Qatar with a 2-1 win over Germany on the opening matchday of Group E, which was followed up by a disappointing defeat against Costa Rica.
But a dramatic against-the-odds triumph over Spain, in which they again had to come from behind to clinch it 2-1, means they now face a meeting with Croatia in the Round of 16 on November 5.
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It is one they should be favourites for, according to Sporting News columnist Jay Bothroyd, who knows Japan and the national team players well — having spent six years in the country playing for both Jubilo Iwata and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
"This win has given me so much happiness," said Bothroyd reflecting on the result. "What a spectacular second half!
"I always knew what Japanese players are capable of."
However, Bothroyd has warned that taking the next step will be even tougher, with the weight of expectation now on coach Hajime Moriyasu and his players.
"I don't want to put a downer on what I have experienced tonight, but....
Japan are through to the final-16 of the #FIFAWorldCup
— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) December 1, 2022
It's the first time that they have made the final-16 in back-to-back World Cups 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dy6CJZv7Mf
"Like I always say, When the pressure is off and there is no expectation — such as against Germany and Spain — Japan put in amazing performances. When it’s a game like Costa Rica, where Japan are favourites, they play well below par.
"Japan are favourites for the next game in my opinion. I need to see a performance like I’ve seen against Spain and Germany!
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"There is expectation now people in Europe, especially in England, are starting to look at Japan as a potential threat to big nations.
"Now I need to see the Samurai Blue boys go and win and get into the quarterfinal!"