Japan’s manager told his players to adopt a more cautious approach for the last 10 minutes of their defeat against Poland, despite boos from their own fans. Photo: Kyodo
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Fifa World Cup: Japan coach admits he told his team to play for the loss in much-criticised Poland performance
The Blue Samurai lowered the tempo and merely kept possession of the ball for the last 10 minutes showing little intent to win the game
Japan manager Akira Nishino has admitted that he deliberately told his team to halt their attempts to win their final group match with Poland. Photo: Kyodo
Japan coach Akira Nishino said he was “forced” to tell his players to down tools towards the end of their World Cup match against Poland, to secure last-16 qualification.
With 10 minutes to go Japan were losing 1-0, but with Colombia leading Senegal by the same scoreline in the other simultaneous group H tie it meant Japan would qualify on fair play with Colombia.
Despite boos ringing out, the Japanese and Polish players slowed to walking pace for the last 10 minutes.
“It was a very tough decision,” he explained.
“There was a ‘what if?’ on our pitch, and a ‘what if?’ on the other pitch.
“I chose to keep the status quo in our game, and rely instead on the other result.
“My players were very loyal in listening to me and following my decision. It was tough, as my style is attack minded.
“The situation forced me to make this decision.”
Japan ended the first round level on points and goal difference with Senegal, but with two fewer yellow cards it is the Blue Samurai that go on to meet Belgium in the last-16, while Senegal head home.
Japan have defied sceptics in Russia after sacking their coach Vahid Halilhodzic just two months before the tournament began and appointing Nishino, previously Japan Football Association technical director.