This afternoon, Japan will have another chance against Croatia to qualify for the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time. The road to the final 8 has been difficult and bitter. From a cold shower in our own country to a perfect Belgian conversion: an overview of the Japanese sacrifices.
Anyone who takes a look at Japan’s World Cup history sees it immediately: a great void. From 1930 to 1994: nothing.
For 15 consecutive World Cups, Japanese football has remained silent on the world stage.
But something changed around the turn of the century, because since 1998 they have always been there. The highlight was undoubtedly the World Cup in 2002, which was organized in their own country (and in South Korea).
But whoever competes for the World Cup, also inevitably suffers.
The Japanese made it to the knockout phase three times, but each time had to leave the tournament in the eighth finals. One elimination more traumatic than the other, with Chadli’s redeeming goal in 2018 as the high point/low point.
2002: No fairytale in our own country
Like South Korea, Japan automatically qualified for the 2002 World Cup as hosts, but it was clear that the team deserved its spot.
They won their group – including Belgium (2-2) – and easily qualified for the eighth finals.
But it was not a fairy tale for Japan, because opponent Turkey had few problems with the host country.
The Turks won the match 1-0 and eventually became the fairytale team of the World Cup themselves, finishing with a bronze medal.
Extra bitter pill for the Japanese? Fellow host country South Korea was able to stunt under the leadership of Guus Hiddink and even made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Umit Davala heads the winning goal against the Japanese nets.
2010: Penalty upset against Paraguay
In South Africa, the Japanese got a second chance. After they were able to push through as second from a group including the Netherlands, they got a surprise opponent from Paraguay.
A thriller led by Frank De Bleeckere got stuck in a scoreless draw after 120 minutes. Penalty kicks had to bring a winner.
One miss from Komano was mercilessly punished. Paraguay converted all penalties and knocked the Japanese out of the tournament.
A new blow.
Tamada and Endo bite the disappointment after the lost penalty shootout.
2018: The Belgian nightmare
Etched in the memory of all Belgians and Japanese.
After 52 minutes, Japan had a reassuring 2-0 lead against Belgium, but an unparalleled comeback by the Red Devils still plunged Japan into deep mourning. Final score 3-2.
Chadli’s historic goal was even cast in a documentary in Japan: Rostov’s 14 seconds. De Bruyne, Lukaku and Chadli, among others, will speak.
2022: Redemption against Croatia?
After stunt victories against Germany and Spain, the Japanese now have a fourth chance to join the last 8 for the first time.
As the winner of the ‘group of death’, they will take on Croatia today.
Will the Japanese throw their traumas overboard or will they again get stuck in the eighth finals?
Find out this afternoon from 4 pm in our live stream, on one or on VRTMAX.
