The visiting Japan Under-21 team showed exactly why they are considered the next Blue Samurais as their relentless attacks saw them end the year with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bangladesh national team in the Fifa friendly match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Japan, ranked 54th in the latest Fifa world ranking, slipped to second in the AFC rankings just yesterday, but the style of play and the vast disparity between two footballing nations from two opposite poles in Asian football was easy to read.
Bangladesh adopted a defensive strategy right from the starting whistle and seemed to be happy going for a draw against their superior opponents, who could’not find the back of the net until the hour mark. But Japan coach Teguramori Makoto spilled water on all hopes when he deployed super substitute Asano Takuma as the attacking forward scored twice and assisted the other for Minamino Takumi.
The home side attacking trio – Zahid, Emily and Sohel – failed miserably in making any impact in the game as Bangladesh had zero shots on target while Japan penetrated the opposition defence and threatened to score from almost every attack.
Sheikh Russel goalkeeper Rasel Mahmud Liton made some mind blowing saves in the opening half to keep the home side upbeat. The first of which came in the 16th minute when left back Yamanaka Ryosuke’s attempt on goal fell to Takumi before Liton denied the striker from point blank range. Three minutes later, Ryosuke threatened with a curling strike from outside the box but no damage was done yet.
Nasir impressed in the Bangladesh back line stopping Kubo Yuya in the 26th minute before Yeamin Munna made an important clearance in the 38th minute, after Liton half saved Takumi’s shot, to keep the hosts on level terms.
Japan appeared much more stronger after the breather though they sqaundered two opportunites inside nine minutes of the restart. Liton’s save nine minutes into the second-half was followed by a silly miss from Shiya who shot wide despite finding an open net.
However, the scenario changed when Asano came off the bench to make Bangladesh look clueless. The substitute forward put the visitors ahead at the hour mark following a fine work by Harakawa Riki. Collecting a pass from Takuya, Riki delivered a defence splitting through for Asano who broke into the penalty area to finish from the far post.
Minamino doubled the lead in the 73rd minute with a left-footed volley following a collective work between Suzuki, Asano and the goal scorer himself.
Asano killed the game and sealed the win with his second on the night just two minutes later.
