Group D - FIFA Training Centre

This was a very interesting group with all four teams having different styles of play, yet all games were heavily competitive. Japan were the standout team, winning all three group-stage matches, scoring seven goals and keeping three clean sheets. Of the three remaining teams, Paraguay were the most attacking side and although they failed to convert some big chances in their games, they did enough to warrant finishing second in the group.

In possession, Japan were a very technical team and demonstrated the capacity to challenge later in the tournament. They pulled teams apart with their intricate, high-tempo passing and they built play exceptionally well. Their work-rate was incredible so far and all of their midfielders play important roles in how they progress the ball up the pitch and break lines.

When they did not have the ball, Go Oiwa’s team were strong, organised, disciplined and showed great understanding of their responsibilities. Their discipline was impeccable, and they did everything as a collective.

Japan’s in-possession statistics

Japan out-of-possession statistics

This team, led by head coach Carlos Jara Saguier were impressive throughout the group stages. Playing in a 1-4-4-2 set-up, they were well organised and disciplined, and effective at playing between the lines of their opponent’s team structure. They had variety in their game too, showing they could play through the thirds, but also could and would go longer when space was available in behind the opposition’s defensive line. Paraguay created a lot of big chances in their opening three games and could have scored more goals. At just 20 years of age, forward Julio Enciso (15) was a standout player in this team and demonstrated why he is already playing in one of the top leagues in world football (English Premier League). Goalkeeper, Gatito Fernandez (1) was also important for them, particularly with the variety and accuracy in his distribution of the ball.

Out of possession, Paraguay tended to hold their block and were not inclined to press high. The players had clear understanding of their roles, covering for each other and filling gaps in the team shape when team-mates got drawn out to press. They played with good discipline, stayed compact and did not concede much space between the lines. I also liked how quickly they all recovered to their team shape whenever they lost the ball. This is a good trait in a team.

Paraguay’s in-possession statistics

Paraguay’s out-of-possession statistics

In possession, Mali showed they could create clear chances and possess technically advanced players. At times there were misunderstandings in their attacking play, and sometimes they forced their play a little bit when it came to decision-making approaching the final third. Improvements in communication and timing will help their tactical development, game awareness and their ability to convert their chances.

When they did not have the ball, Diara’s side were aggressive when they pressed but sometimes looked a little unbalanced when players did not recover into their shape together. However, Mali were difficult to break down and were very competitive in all their matches, drawing 1-1 with Israel and losing by just one goal to both Japan and Paraguay.

Mali’s in-possession statistics

Mali’s out-of-possession statistics

When they had the ball, this young Israeli team worked very hard and looked to build their play efficiently by breaking lines early. Their players showed they are developing technically, and they were competitive in all of their games.

Out of possession, Guy Luzon’s side played 1-4-4-2 and were an organised, hardworking team. Defensively they looked quite solid when in their shape but were a little vulnerable on the counter-attack.

Israel’s in-possession statistics

Israel’s out-of-possession statistics

The last eight of this competition sees some interesting pairings with all four matches being played consecutively on Friday 2^nd August. The evening game is a standout fixture as Thierry Henry’s France take on Javier Mascherano’s Argentina.

The schedule is as follows (given in Central European Time):