Potter hails Japan as 'one of the best functioning teams' Sweden has faced

Sweden's path to the World Cup's knockout stage faces its toughest test yet against Japan, a team that coach Graham Potter regards with profound respect. Potter described the Japanese team, nicknamed "The Blue Samurai," as "one of the best functioning teams I have seen at international level." He highlighted their speed, dynamic build-up play, central combinations, wide threats, and defensive stability.

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Sweden has a very tough job ahead of them.

Despite facing significant injury setbacks before the tournament, Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu is reportedly considering squad rotation to manage player fatigue ahead of the knockout stages. However, Potter emphasized that Japan's team structure is highly flexible, with minimal difference in performance or tactical understanding between starters and substitutes. "Their idea as a team doesn't change much," Potter stated.

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It is one of the best functioning teams I have seen at international level. Very fast, dynamic in build-up play with combinations in the center of the pitch, have threats on the flanks and are defensively stable.

Japan's recent form has been impressive, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia. Their track record against European nations is particularly strong since Moriyasu took charge in 2018, with only one penalty shootout loss to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup. They have secured notable wins against Brazil (3-2) and England (1-0).

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Their idea as a team doesn't change much. If other players come in, they still have the same level of performance and tactical understanding.

In contrast to Sweden's recent coaching change, Japan has enjoyed long-term continuity. Expectations are high for the team to advance beyond the round of 16 for the first time in a World Cup. Potter noted their intelligence in movement, build-up play, and space utilization, describing them as a team that adapts effectively to different playing styles. "It's not a one-dimensional team at all," he said. Japan, like Sweden earlier in the tournament, has employed a five-back formation.

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They have been working together for almost eight years. You can see that they are smart in how they move, how they build up play and utilize space. If you play in a certain way, they do this, and if you play another way, they do that. It's not a one-dimensional team at all.