Block the “offensive rest” Junya Ito reveals the key to the match against Brazil

Japan national team midfielder Junya Ito has emphasized the importance of quick counterattacks and tactics that thoroughly eliminate gaps on the left side in preparation for the match against Brazil in the 2026 Round of 32 World Cup. Facing Brazil's attacking power and ball-holding ability, he made it clear that in order for Japan to win, an ``attack'' counter rather than a ``wait'' was essential. '' This ``offensive rest'' is an opening created when Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo attack from the left side, and is the point that Japan's defense should be most careful about.

The Brazilian national team has Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who are expected to be the core of the attack in the 2026 World Cup, and attack from the left side is one of their main strengths. '' Brazil's left-sided attack is one of the tactics that has achieved remarkable results in recent international tournaments. At the 2022 World Cup, Brazil dominated group stage opponents such as Peru and South Korea, focusing on attacks from the left side.

In the final tournament, left-back Anthony created space in conjunction with Vinicius, creating several clear chances against Belgium. This trend continues in the 2026 World Cup, with attacking power on the left side firmly established as Brazil's tactical strength. For Japan, blocking Brazil's left-sided attack is more than just winning a game.

In aiming to advance to the finals, counterattacks that exploit the opponent's ``remaining offensive ability'' are one of the most realistic means for a team with an inferior ball possession rate to defeat a top-ranked country. Historically, counters have functioned as a symbolic tactic of ``Gekokujo'', as evidenced by examples such as the Japanese national team scoring from a counter attack against Belgium in the 2018 World Cup. Brazil's left-sided attack is not just about individual ability, but is highly complete as a system.

The combination of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo creates a ``third man movement'' that breaks down the opponent's defense by working with full-backs Anthony and Leandro Pereira. This move has the tactical advantage of not only increasing possession of the ball and tiring the opponent, but also creating space for a counter attack. For the Japanese national team, simply launching a counterattack will not be enough to break Brazil's system.

As Ito emphasizes, it is necessary to strictly control the positioning of the entire defensive line and the coverage area of ​​the midfield. In particular, by widening the defensive range of the left-back, he will be required to block the movements of Vinicius and others, while timing the right time to steal the ball, which will be the starting point for a counterattack. Read at Football Channel