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Match Overview
On November 14, the Japan national team faced Ghana at Toyota Stadium in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2025 friendlies. The atmosphere was electric as the home side seized control from the start and ultimately secured a convincing 2‑0 victory. Their dominance was highlighted by a well‑timed opening goal and a second strike delivered with precision by Ritsu Doan, underlining Japan’s readiness for high‑level competition.
From kickoff, Japan asserted themselves, pressing forward with intent and imposing their rhythm on the game. Ghana, despite being an African powerhouse, found themselves under sustained pressure and unable to establish their usual attacking fluidity. Japan’s organization and sharpness made the difference.
Line‑up and Tactics
Japan deployed a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation. With two players—GK Suen Suzuki and forward Daichi Kamada—still recovering from injury, nine players from the previous Brazil match retained their places, offering continuity and stability.
The starting eleven lined up as follows:
- GK: Yuuki Hayakawa
- DFs: Shogo Taniguchi, Gō Watanabe, Atsunori Suzuki
- MFs: Takumi Minamino (captain), Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo, Kaishu Sano, Keito Nakamura
- FW: Ayase Ueda
This structure allowed Japan to maintain balance between defence and attack. The back three offered solid coverage, while the four‑man midfield could push forward or drop back as needed. The two attacking midfielders behind the lone forward offered creativity and link‑up play, enabling Japan to exploit flanks and central pockets.
Goals and Key Moments
First Goal – 16th minute: Sano intercepted a midfield pass and quickly released Minamino with a clever assist. Minamino took his chance calmly and opened the scoring. The goal set the tone, allowing Japan to relax into possession and build momentum.
Second Goal – 60th minute: On the right side of the penalty area, Kubo delivered a pass to Doan, who struck left‑footed into the near post with precision and power. Doan later remarked that this “is a course I’m confident in when I receive the ball there.” This additional goal widened the gap and effectively sealed the outcome.
Overall, Japan’s attacking transitions were sharp, the pressing coherent, and the finishing clinical. Ghana struggled to respond effectively, and Japan’s dominance grew as the match progressed.
Tactical Analysis
Japan’s use of the 3‑4‑2‑1 system provided several advantages. The back three enabled comfortable cover when the wing‑backs advanced. Midfielders such as Tanaka and Sano offered both defensive solidity and forward thrust. Meanwhile, Minamino and Doan operated between the lines and provided direct goal threats.
Ball‑possession was well managed, but Japan did not become passive—every possession had purpose. The pattern of play showed effective side runs, quick switches of play, and a willingness to penetrate centrally. Ghana’s young squad lacked the tight coordination to cope with Japan’s structure, giving Japan room to impose their game.
Defensively, Japan limited Ghana’s chances and contested aerial duels effectively. While there remain areas to refine—such as quicker recovery transitions and dealing with counterpressing—the overall performance is a positive step towards the upcoming global competitions.
Player Highlight: Ritsu Doan
Ritsu Doan emerged as a standout in this match. His decisive goal showcased not only quality shooting but intelligent movement, awareness of space, and a strong mentality. These are the attributes that elevate him to a top‑level contributor.
Born June 16, 1998 in Amagasaki, Hyōgo Prefecture, Doan recently joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2025. His role with the national team has evolved into a hybrid type—capable of creating, finishing, and defending when needed.
In this match, his contribution wasn’t limited to the goal: he pressed defenders, executed timely runs behind the defence, and supported team structure off the ball. This blend of attributes makes him a key component for Japan’s forward thrust in future tournaments.
Opponent Ghana Perspective
The Ghana national team, known as the Black Stars, are a well‑respected side in African and global football. Coached by Otto Addo, they fielded a young lineup and used this friendly as part of their preparation process.
Despite their pedigree, Ghana struggled in this match. The early goal and the second by Doan disrupted their rhythm and prevented them from establishing effective attacking patterns. Their shape was occasionally stretched and coordination lacking, particularly in transition phases.
Looking ahead, Ghana will take valuable lessons from this match—especially in terms of experience, compactness and dealing with higher‑level organised teams. The fixture serves as an important benchmark for them.
Conclusion and Outlook
The match ended Japan 2‑0 Ghana, with goals by Minamino and Doan. Japan controlled the game, demonstrated tactical clarity and clinical finishing. Key players such as Doan, Minamino and Kubo shone, and the overall team showed signs of growth.
This victory is not just a single win—it serves as a moment of affirmation ahead of global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The performance indicates that Japan are moving in the right direction, building cohesion and confidence.
That said, the team should continue refining defensive transitions, pressing dynamics and chance creation. On the attacking side, maintaining that sharpness and exploiting key players’ momentums will be vital.
For the fans, this match provided an exciting glimpse of what Japan can offer: vibrant attacking football, strategic discipline and players capable of delivering under pressure. The next chapters will be crucial—but with performances like this, optimism is certainly justified.
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