Japan's coach trick makes world headlines

In the last minutes of the meeting, Japanese trainers were seen setting up a white sign near the sideline, showing numbers showing exactly how many minutes were left until the end of the match. The goal was clear: to remind the footballers that the time was running out and that they had to increase the pace to seek the equal goal.

A spectacular match

The Netherlands passed through the upper 51st minute thanks to Captain Virgil van Dijk, who carried out head to head after an exact blow towards the corner of the gate.

However, Japan reacted quickly and equated it with Kato Nakamura, restoring her emotions at Dallas Stadium.

In the last half hour, the match took place at a high pace by both teams. When Crysencio Summerville scored for 2-1 in favour of the Netherlands, many thought that “-Tullips” had secured victory.

But the Japanese did not give up. In the 88th minute, Daichi Camada took advantage of a deviation and sent the ball to the net for the final score of 2-2.

The table that motivated the players

One of the most interesting moments of the match was the use of the white table by the Japanese technical staff.

The numbers differed from three to two and then one, telling players how little time had left to react. Moriyasu had used the same method at the end of the first part when he raised 45 to remind the team of the minute of the game.

Following Camada's goal at the end of the match, many fans on social networks began to comment that the tactic proved perfect.

Experts ' Reactions

Tottenham's former coach, Ange Postecoglou, liked this unusual approach.

“It seems that the Japanese manage well the time”, he said in humor on ITV.

However, he added, he would have preferred that the sign contain even more motivating messages for players.

I'd like to see something that tells them to be braver and play more soccer. I know the skills they have”, said the Australian, who worked in Japan from 2018 to 2021.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's former captain, Gary Neville, did not seem so convinced.

No, no, no. This is not a tactic I've ever used”, he said laughing.

When I saw the number six show up, I thought it was the number of goals we had taken. ”

Coeman Protects His Decisions

As Japan received praise for the management of the match, Dutch coach Ronald Coeman faced criticism of his second - part defense changes.

He removed goalist Crysencio Summerville from the game during a triple replacement and later brought a third central defender, Nathan Aké, into play.

After the match, Coeman defended his election.

We had problems in our arms, and if you analyzed the match, both goals came because we didn't quite protect”, he said.

The Dutch coach stressed that football is often unpredictable.

After Japan's second goal, they too began to defend themselves. We could have scored the third goal. So I do not regret the decisions I made”, Coeman concluded.

The treatment leaves the group completely open, while Japan won not only an important point but also the admiration of many fans for creativity shown near the sideline. /GazetaExpress/