As the World Cup qualification process intensifies, Syria will be looking to secure their spot in the third stage of the AFC section of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. On Tuesday, they face a daunting challenge as they travel to Hiroshima to take on Japan. The hosts, having already booked their place in the next round, will aim to finish the second stage with a flawless record.
Japan's Dominance
Ranked 18th in the world, Japan has demonstrated their prowess throughout the qualification campaign. Their journey began with consecutive 5-0 victories over Myanmar and Syria, followed by a narrow yet crucial 1-0 win against North Korea. This formidable run was extended when they were awarded a 3-0 win due to the cancellation of their away game against North Korea, securing their progression with a game to spare.
In their most recent outing, the Samurai Blue showcased their attacking strength with a resounding 5-0 away win against Myanmar. Braces from Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa, alongside a goal from Ritsu Doan, highlighted their attacking depth and consistency. This victory not only underlined their offensive capabilities but also their defensive solidity, as they are yet to concede a goal in this qualifying phase.
Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining their 100% record and securing another clean sheet. This match presents an opportunity to continue their dominant form and build momentum heading into the next round.
Syria's Struggle for Qualification
In contrast, Syria’s path has been fraught with challenges. They began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over North Korea, but a subsequent 5-0 defeat to Japan and a 1-1 draw with Myanmar highlighted inconsistencies in their performances. However, they bounced back impressively with a 7-0 thrashing of Myanmar, demonstrating their potential when firing on all cylinders.
Despite this resurgence, Syria faced a setback with a disappointing 1-0 loss to North Korea on matchday five. This defeat narrowed their margin for error, reducing their lead over North Korea to a single point. Heading into the final round of fixtures, Hector Cuper’s side is acutely aware of the stakes. A win against Japan will secure their place in the next stage, but anything less leaves them vulnerable to being overtaken by North Korea.
Key Players to Watch
For Japan, several players have been pivotal in their successful campaign. Ao Tanaka has been a standout performer, often orchestrating play from midfield and contributing crucial goals. His partnership with Hidemasa Morita has provided a solid foundation, allowing Japan to control games and transition swiftly from defense to attack.
Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa have been revelations in the forward line, with their recent braces against Myanmar showcasing their finishing prowess. Ritsu Doan’s versatility and creativity add another dimension to Japan’s attack, making them a formidable force.
Syria, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their experienced players to navigate this crucial fixture. Omar Al Somah, a seasoned striker, has the ability to trouble defenses with his physicality and finishing. Midfielder Mahmoud Al Mawas brings creativity and vision, essential for unlocking Japan’s well-organized defense.
Tactical Battle
Tactically, Japan’s approach under Moriyasu has been characterized by fluid attacking play and disciplined defending. They utilize a high pressing game to disrupt opponents’ build-up play and capitalize on turnovers. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack has been a hallmark of their play, often catching opponents off guard.
Syria, under Hector Cuper, has adopted a more pragmatic approach. Known for his emphasis on defensive organization, Cuper will likely set his team up to be compact and resilient. Syria’s success will hinge on their ability to absorb pressure and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Given Japan’s dominance in possession, Syria’s defensive discipline and quick transitions will be crucial.
Match Prediction
While Japan enters the match as favorites, Syria’s desperation for points could make for an intriguing contest. Japan’s offensive firepower and defensive solidity provide them with a significant advantage, but Syria’s determination and the high stakes involved could see them rise to the occasion.
If Syria can maintain their defensive shape and capitalize on counter-attacks, they stand a chance of pulling off an upset. However, Japan’s form and quality suggest they will likely secure a victory, albeit possibly in a closely contested match.
Conclusion
As Syria and Japan prepare to face off in Hiroshima, the stakes could not be higher for the visitors. A place in the third stage of World Cup qualifying hangs in the balance, and Syria will need to summon all their resilience and quality to overcome a formidable Japanese side. For Japan, the match presents an opportunity to finish the second stage with a perfect record and further assert their dominance in the region.
Football fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both teams battle for their respective goals. With Japan’s sights set on maintaining their flawless run and Syria’s World Cup dreams on the line, this clash promises to deliver excitement and drama right to the final whistle
