5 reasons why Japan has won Asian hearts

#1 - Unerring Fearlessness

Belgium v Japan: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

How often have we fidgeted slightly in frustration as a team sits back when they get the lead? Refreshing, indeed, it was, then, to see that unfancied Japan, with two clear goals in their back pocket, were still marauding on Courtois’ goal hungry for more.

Especially in that rip-snorter of a second-half, Japan’s front line was thoroughly unfazed by the illustrious names keeping guard in front of Courtois. More than a handful of times, Japan cut open the Belgian defence and were clinical in front of the net. Haraguchi’s corker of a goal was at the culmination of a ruthless counter-attack initiated by the magical Takashi Inui.

Even when Belgium was so grippingly wrestling back the game, the Samurai Blue, unfazed, still kept on going, and were not going to let the favorites just walk over them. Ultimately, it was this thirst that cost them, with the Japanese ending up chasing a scintillating Belgian counterattack reminiscent of Rooney’s goal against Bolton way back when. Yet, pushovers, Japan most certainly were not.

This is why Japan has won Asian hearts and, in my opinion, why they have just elevated Asian football. Asian teams have always had a lot of heart when they play in the World Cup (just ask North Korea in ’62, Korea Republic in ’02, or Iran this year), but what has been lacking is that bit of quality. Although we can take nothing away from the grit and pizzazz of Belgium’s performance to win the game, Japan, through their organized defending, incisive passing, devastating finishing, and ceaseless sporting spirit have announced to the world that Asian football has truly arrived.