0-0 Draw! Japan 12 Shots, 2 Missed One-on-Ones: 8 Matches, 20 Points, Group Winner, Saudi Arabia Stuck at 10 Points in 3rd

On March 25th, in the 8th round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for Asia, Japan hosted Saudi Arabia in a match that had already lost its significance for the Japanese side. Having already secured their spot in the World Cup, the match ended in a goalless draw—a result that didn’t impact Japan's status in Group C, but did give Saudi Arabia a lot to ponder as they fight for second place.

For Japan, this match was more about maintaining their dominance and refining their approach as they head into the final stretch of qualifiers. For Saudi Arabia, however, it was a critical match. They needed to secure all three points to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive and finish as runners-up in the group. But despite Japan’s dominance, Saudi Arabia couldn’t capitalize on any opportunities to snatch an upset.

Japan's Impressive Control, Yet Missed Chances

The match began with Japan controlling the tempo from the very start. Coach Moriyasu Hajime’s side had already made history by becoming the first team globally to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after an impressive 19-point haul from their first 7 games in the qualifying rounds. With Japan's qualification already confirmed, they entered the match in a relaxed mood, but still determined to put on a show for their fans.

Playing in their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation, Japan looked to dominate possession right from the whistle. The attacking trident of Maeda Daizen as the lone striker, supported by Kamada Daichi and Kubo Takefusa in attacking midfield, ensured that the hosts always had an attacking presence. Meanwhile, players like Minamino Takumi, Doan Ritsu, and Ito Junya waited on the bench, ready to make an impact when needed.

As expected, Japan's possession game was exceptional, with the team enjoying nearly 80% possession throughout the match. They were in complete control, but despite this dominance, they could not find a breakthrough against a disciplined Saudi defense.

In the 8th minute, Japan came close to taking the lead when Maeda Daizen launched a blistering shot from a through ball that hit the crossbar. It was a moment of frustration for Japan, as they were playing some beautiful football but just couldn't find the back of the net.

Then, in the 18th minute, another glaring opportunity went begging. Maeda, after a pressing moment in the opposition’s half, stole the ball and was through on goal, but his dribble was a bit too heavy. As a result, his left-footed shot was blocked by the Saudi goalkeeper, squandering another prime chance to take the lead. It was evident that while Japan had all the ingredients for a successful attacking display, their finishing was lacking.

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Japan couldn’t break the deadlock before halftime. With two missed one-on-one opportunities, it was frustrating for both the players and the fans, as Japan should have been ahead comfortably. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, didn’t pose much of a threat in the first half. They managed only one shot but failed to even test Japan’s goalkeeper, Gonda Shuichi.

Tactical Adjustments, But No Goals

As the second half began, Moriyasu made tactical changes to inject more attacking fluidity. Ito Junya and Doan Ritsu replaced Sugawara Yuhki and Kubo Takefusa, respectively. The fresh legs brought more width and pace to Japan’s play, as they tried to unlock the compact Saudi defense with quicker movements and crosses from the wings.

However, despite all the changes, Japan struggled to break the deadlock. The team’s attacking setup, which had been so effective earlier in the qualifiers, was finding it difficult to penetrate a well-organized Saudi defense. The Saudi goalkeeper was having a solid game, denying Maeda on multiple occasions, while the Saudi defenders were doing their utmost to block any shots on target.

Japan continued to dominate possession, creating 12 shots, but only 2 shots on goal. The team also earned 9 corners, indicating their continued offensive pressure, but they just couldn’t convert their chances into goals. It wasn’t a lack of effort; rather, it was the final touch or decision-making that let them down in the final third.

In the 80th minute, Japan made another offensive substitution, bringing on Kashiwagi Reo, Minamino Takumi, and Furuhashi Kyogo in an attempt to break the deadlock. Despite the fresh attacking options, Japan’s attack remained blunt. There was no lack of desire, but the breakthrough just wasn’t forthcoming.

As the match entered stoppage time, it was clear that Japan’s incredible ball possession and tactical structure were not going to be enough to secure a win. They had failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities, and with each minute that passed, it became more evident that Saudi Arabia had done enough to stay in the contest and keep their hopes of qualification alive.

Japan Clinches Top Spot; Saudi Arabia’s Fight Continues

The final whistle blew with the scoreline at 0-0, confirming that Japan had finished the qualifying rounds with a stellar 20 points from 8 games. They had already locked down first place in Group C, a fantastic achievement that reflected the team’s overall quality and consistency throughout the qualifiers. Moriyasu and his men had secured World Cup qualification in record time, and they were now set to continue their journey with the confidence that comes from being the first team to book their ticket to 2026.

For Saudi Arabia, the draw was a disappointing result. With just 10 points from 8 matches, they find themselves in third place in the group, one point behind second-place and the coveted direct qualification spot. The Saudi team, led by Herve Renard, now faces a tense final stretch of matches where every point will matter as they fight to secure their World Cup position.

The Saudi team’s struggle to create significant offensive opportunities against a much-stronger Japanese side will undoubtedly cause concern. Their defense was organized, but they lacked the necessary creativity and attacking sharpness to threaten the Japanese goal consistently. Their focus now shifts to the final stages of qualification, where they must focus on collecting three points in their upcoming games to stay in the hunt for the second qualification spot.

Japan’s Tactical Mastery, Saudi Arabia’s Missed Opportunities

In summary, Japan’s performance was a masterclass in possession-based football. Their pressing was relentless, their passing crisp, and their overall strategy to dominate the midfield paid off well. However, despite these strengths, they couldn’t seal the win due to wasteful finishing. Maeda Daizen’s missed chances will haunt him, as they could have ensured a much more comfortable victory.

For Saudi Arabia, the inability to create meaningful chances against a dominant Japan team suggests that there is still work to be done if they are to compete at the highest level. With the final two rounds of qualifiers approaching, they need to find their rhythm quickly and take advantage of every opportunity to secure their World Cup dream.

As for Japan, their focus now shifts to preparing for the World Cup itself, and they will be hoping to rectify their finishing issues before the tournament begins. Their tactical flexibility, with players like Kubo, Kamada, and Minamino, gives them plenty of depth to challenge top sides globally.

In the end, the 0-0 draw wasn’t a perfect result, but it solidified Japan’s status as the top team in their group and proved that, even with a lack of goals, they remain a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.