Before the big game to break through the group stage, a hot gaze is poured on one man.
In the last two games, Kaoru Mitoma has made a definite difference on the pitch. When he stood on the pitch as a substitute in the match against Germany, he played in the first WB for the Japanese national team. He dribbled long distances from a low position, drew opponents in, and delivered passes deftly. If he shows his presence in the offensive side, such as the play that leads to the first goal, there are scenes where he cuts the opponent’s attack while narrowing it down in the defense. It was a surprise move on the big stage, but it was a solid representation of his experience at Union Saint-Giroise.
The match against Costa Rica didn’t lead to a result, but they made chances many times with sharp tricks. Looking back on these two games, the opponents are clearly wary of a man who is active in the Premier League, such as cutting vertically to prevent the opponent from breaking through the dribble, and if there is time, the two of them will come to stop him. You can see the situation. To that extent, the current Mitoma has become a presence that even opponents fear.
However, the opponent this time is Spain, which is said to be the strongest in the group. It’s a match that must be won, so more results are required, but he’s not the kind of opponent that will give you freedom so easily.
“We won against Germany, but we lost to Costa Rica, and I think they are the perfect opponent to measure where we are now. I’m looking forward to playing a serious match against a great opponent, and I want to raise the level of Japanese football by winning here.”
In particular, there is a high possibility that Daniel Garvajal and Cesar Azpilicueta will enter the right back that Mitoma will face. A tough battle awaits both of them, as they warn that they are “a rare player even in the world”.
“I think he is a player with high quality in all aspects. I have an image of that, and I think I have to make plays that can lead to goals in such places.”
This time as well, the team’s plan is to keep a clean sheet for a long time, so it is expected that the team will enter the game with a defensive mindset. In that case, Mitoma will be required to play an active role as a super sub as before. There is a place where it is called “Tactical / Mitama”, but this time it should be the same position. That’s why I’m trying to challenge the game with a strong responsibility.
“As expected, there will be situations where there is no support around us or we have no choice but to carry the ball on the counter. I think that’s what I need.I think that’s what I lacked in the game so far, and I can’t let it go in any situation.I want to play with the team’s ball in mind.”
We still haven’t been able to show the real Kaoru Mitoma on the stage of the World Cup. Will she be able to show her appearance in this situation where the group stage is about to break through? She looks forward to the moment when Japan’s greatest weapon shines.
Wen· Lin Liaoping
Born in 1987 from Saitama prefecture. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, she decided to study abroad in London, which was her longing, saying, “I’ll do what I want to do if I’m going to regret it later.” She saw the 2012 London Olympics there, which made her more immersed in the depth of the sport. After returning to Japan, he became a freelancer. After working as a reporter for the soccer newspaper Ergorasso, he is currently reporting on the field through various media.