Ange Postecoglou has offered a frank assessment of Japan’s opening 45 minutes at the 2026 World Cup, giving an honest verdict on the Samurai Blue’s approach.

Postecoglou, who previously managed in Japan and enjoyed significant success in the J-League, later took several players from that competition with him when he transitioned to Scottish football.

Now analysing Japan’s first-half performance against the Netherlands, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager did not hold back in his evaluation.

“They’re very risk-averse; they won’t take the game to the opposition – even though they’ve got the quality to do it,” said Postecoglou. “But if the Dutch lose focus for even a moment, Japan will punish them.

“They’re disciplined enough to wait patiently – and when the Netherlands slip up, they’ll capitalise.”

Commentator Ally McCoist also weighed in on Japan’s cautious display, remarking, “I expected something more like what we’ve seen from the United States or Morocco. Those sides play with pace and aggression. We haven’t really seen that from Japan so far in this first half, and that’s surprised me.”

The two group favourites faced off missing key attacking names – with Kaoru Mitoma ruled out of the tournament for Japan due to injury, while Memphis Depay started on the bench for the Dutch side.

The Netherlands quickly found their rhythm, dominating possession early on. Donyell Malen created the first opening after just two minutes. The former Aston Villa forward, who had scored seven goals in his last seven domestic games for Roma, received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, turned his marker, and drew a strong save from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Japan began to settle before the hydration break, and both teams created chances soon after. Keito Nakamura found space in the box but hesitated too long before shooting, while Cody Gakpo delivered a couple of dangerous crosses. Denzel Dumfries met one of them with a header that landed on the roof of the net after breaking into Japan’s penalty area for the first time.

The Netherlands’ best opportunity of the half arguably came around the 33rd minute, when Malen headed a corner directly at Suzuki as the Dutch increased their control. However, Japan responded with two solid chances of their own before the interval. Nakamura dragged a shot narrowly wide of the near post, and Feyenoord forward Ayase Ueda struck the side netting after managing to slip past Virgil van Dijk.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides showing flashes of quality but neither finding the breakthrough as Japan remained disciplined and patient against a confident Dutch outfit.