How 100-schoolkid tactic helps Japan against Brazil
Quick passes, fast ball movement, sudden switches in old viral video key to Japan upsetting Brazil in 2026 World Cup round of 16.
Years ago, Japanese football video went viral. Trio Hotaru Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Kiyotake, Yosuke Ideguchi face 100 schoolkids on standard pitch.
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How 100-schoolkid tactic helps Japan against Brazil
Trio Hotaru Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Kiyotake, Yosuke Ideguchi face 100 schoolkids on standard pitch. Video: YouTube/The Beautiful Game
Three pros easily bypass dozens of kids, find space to combine. Secret simple: 100 kids swarm ball, Japanese players switch ball to opposite side where teammate unmarked.
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At 2026 World Cup, Japan attack uses similar idea.
Japan 3-4-3 shifts to 5-man attack in possession, disrupts defense by finding "free man". Wing-back pushes high like piston, attacks box from blind spot unmarked, ready for switch play.
Left wing-back Keito Nakamura cuts inside half-space to receive ball, score 1-1 equalizer against Netherlands. Photo screenshot
"Samurai Blue" wing-backs not passive. Different from Daniel Munoz or Denzel Dumfries who make late runs to far post. They can do that, but Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura are inverted: left-footer on right, right-footer on left.
Means they cut inside half-space or center to shoot, like Nakamura goal against Netherlands in group stage. Can also cut inside to play diagonal switches.
Early second half, Japan vs Sweden: Daichi Kamada drifts left, crosses deep to right wing-back Sugawara to shoot. Photo: Screenshot
Play early in second half of 1-1 draw with Sweden proves Japan approach. Central midfielder Daichi Kamada drifts left to support Nakamura, cuts back onto right foot, crosses deep to right wing-back Yukinari Sugawara (replacing Doan). Ball bounces before volley.
After Sugawara missed volley, Sweden clears. Japan wins second ball, passes to central midfielder Ao Tanaka. Photo: Screenshot
Sweden clears, Japan recovers ball, passes to Ao Tanaka. Midfielder immediately switches play back to left wing where Kamada waits to volley. Goalkeeper Zetterstrom saves, linesman flags offside.
Tanaka then pass ball switch attack to left wing, where Kamada still there attack far post. Photo: Screenshot
Situation show Japan always have player wait at far post. Opponent drawn to ball. Teammates find him with quick attack switches.
Brazil have fatal weakness on both wings. Right-back Danilo turn 35 when World Cup 2026 end, not typical fast, mobile Brazil fullback. Left-back Douglas Santos never reach star level. Center defense, "Selecao" solid with Marquinhos - Gabriel pair, Gabriel strong in air. Remove center-backs from equation, move ball out of aerial reach is approach for Japan.
De Jong drop back from midfield to form 5-man defense line for Netherlands against Japan. Photo: Screenshot
To counter Japan 5-man attack, opponent set up equal defense line, drop forward player back to support. Ronald Koeman Netherlands do this, drop Frenkie de Jong from midfield. Dutch fullbacks spread wide, cover pitch width to counter Japan wing switches.
But Carlo Ancelotti Brazil do this? Scenario unlikely, consider status and squad. Casemiro play De Jong role, drop into defense? Or 19-year-old winger Rayan start, drop deep to defend? Italian coach must solve this puzzle.
Poll
**90,583** votes
Who win World Cup 2026?
Argentina 18% 15,988 votes
France 17% 14,990 votes
Spain 14% 12,771 votes
Portugal 12% 10,915 votes
Germany 6% 5,583 votes
Brazil 14% 12,451 votes
England 14% 12,590 votes
Other team 6% 5,295 votes
Time: 5/8/2026 - 6/22/2026
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Prediction time left: 16 days
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