Japan Defends Unbeaten Streak Against European Teams

Japan is set to defend its impressive unbeaten streak against European nations when they face the Netherlands in their World Cup clash on Sunday. This remarkable run has been ongoing since Japan's 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the 2018 World Cup. Notably, this streak includes a penalty shootout loss to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, which is statistically considered a draw. Throughout this period, Japan has secured victories over top European teams like Germany and Spain during the 2022 World Cup.

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The Samurai Blue continued to impress in friendly matches, defeating Germany 4-1 and Turkey 4-2 in 2023. Japan's last three friendlies, against Scotland, England, and Iceland, each ended in 1-0 victories. Despite these results, Japan, currently ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings, is not invincible. They have faced defeats against Australia in World Cup qualifiers and the United States in friendlies. Additionally, Japan lost to Iraq and Iran in the 2024 Asia Cup.

The Netherlands will aim to end Japan's unbeaten streak against European teams on Sunday. Historically, the Dutch have performed well in World Cup openers and have never lost to an Asian team in the tournament, with their last opening match draw occurring in 1998 against Belgium.