🏏 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:20 JST
Japan
vs
Paraguay
3-4-2-1 vs 4-2-3-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- An international friendly between Japan and Paraguay, a clash with a strong South American side and an important warm-up game on the road to the World Cup. For Japan it is valuable practical experience against an opponent with a different style.
- Japan start in a 3-4-2-1 with Koki Ogawa as the lone striker. Attention turns to how the 23-year-old striker, who earned his first national-team start after his fine displays at NEC Nijmegen, performs against a solid South American defence.
- Paraguay set up in an organised 4-2-3-1, with Newcastle's Miguel Almiron reigning as the core of the attack. He will threaten Japan's defence with the technique and pace honed in the Premier League.
- In Japan's midfield, Kota Sano starts as one of the four midfielders. He will bring his Eredivisie experience to the national team and engage in a fierce midfield battle with Paraguay's midfield.
- Up front for Paraguay, Torino's Antonio Sanabria takes on a holding striker role against Japan's back three. He will rattle Japan's defence with the physical contact characteristic of South America.
- For Japan playing at home, this is an important match in which they want to get used to the solid, counter-attacking South American style and build their adaptability for future international games. The establishment of young players such as Ogawa and Sano in the national team is also a major theme.