Football
Irfan Kawri, KweséESPN Opposition Analyst 6y

Opposition scouting report: How can Senegal beat Japan?

Senegal began their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Poland to put them in the driving seat in Group H.

However, they'll face a very different threat when they clash with Japan in Yekaterinburg on Sunday, with the Blue Samurai having also won their opener against Colombia.

What are Japan's strengths?

After a sluggish first half against Colombia, despite having a man advantage, Japan's energy picked up and they used the ball much better after the break. They moved it at a better tempo and penetrated more effectively.

If they can replicate this against Senegal, the Teranga Lions could struggle and they'll need to mark the opposition midfielders tightly to deny them time on the ball.

Senegal conceded from a set piece against Poland - a common theme for African sides at this tournament - and they'll need to be wary of Maya Yoshida. The Southampton centre-back has an excellent leap and will be a threat if unmarked.

Takashi Inui, in particular, enjoyed a good second half for Japan against Colombia. He was very bright, offered some good touches, and demonstrated the ability to carry the ball and link up play.

He can accelerate with the ball and make something happen, and effectively exploited the space down Colombia's right.

With Moussa Wague a potential weak link for Senegal at right-back, Inui could be one to watch on Sunday.

Shinji Kagawa is another player who can hurt Senegal. He was dropping deeper and finding good spaces against Colombia, and his use of the ball in the second half was particularly effective.

Japan as a team showed character and persistence to keep going after a poor first half and they got their reward in their opener.

Senegal must not underestimate them.

What are Japan's weaknesses?

Hiroki Sakai, at right back, was culpable of some poor positioning against Colombia and was beaten for pace by his opponent in the first half.

Despite being a man up for the majority of their opener, Japan showed their opponents too much respect and didn't close them out of possession. It meant that Colombia dominated the ball.

When Japan did transition offensively, they wasted the ball too often, and their possession was too slow.

It was telling that, against 10 men, they lacked energy and tempo initially, and struggled to penetrate.

Conclusion

Japan may have begun their campaign with a victory over Colombia, but they were still poor and demonstrated their weaknesses - despite being a man up from the three-minute mark.

They were poor in possession and never troubled the Colombia goal until showing improvement in the second half.

Senegal must get tight on the midfielders to prevent Japan from easing into their rhythm, but if they do this, they should wrest control of the contest and can exploit their opponents' weaknesses.

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