Oh, Ao Tanaka. The joy and anguish of the World Cup is fully alive as the knockout rounds begin, with the Leeds United midfielder directly involved during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan.
Tanaka has really impressed at the World Cup. He didn’t start Japan’s opener against the Netherlands in which Crysencio Summerville scored. But Tanaka started the next two games for Japan in central midfield.
Where will Leeds United finish next season? 📊📈
14th again would be a success – yes or no?
He starred in a win against Tunisia, before Chris Sutton and Scott Brown marvelled at his midfield display in the 1-1 draw with Gabi Gudmundsson’s Sweden. The quick turnover saw Tanaka rested against Brazil.
Harsh, but that is Japan’s way, often rotating and even taking players off in the first half. Against Brazil, Tanaka came on after 78 minutes with the game looking as if it was going to go into extra time.
Ao Tanaka consoled by Matheus Cunha after big Japan mistake
With the game deep into injury time, Brazil were pushing for a second goal to win 2-1. Tanaka had come on to solidify the midfield and attempt to win the ball back, helping to push the game towards penalties.
But on Brazil’s right, Tanaka made a mistake. Instead of hooking the ball out of play, his underhit pass saw Brazil pounce. Bruno Guimaraes found Gabriel Martinelli, who scored past Leeds target Zion Suzuki.
It wasn’t a huge mistake, but it was one that should have been avoided and Brazil took full advantage. After full-time, Tanaka couldn’t stop the tears. Man United’s Matheus Cunha took the time to console him.
Japanese media defend Ao Tanaka, it was a tactical problem
It sees Tanaka’s tournament come to an abrupt halt, and the same goes for Summerville after the former Leeds winger missed a penalty for the Netherlands in a penalty-shootout defeat to Morocco this morning.
While it was Tanaka who conceded possession that immediately led to the goal, Japan could not get out of their half in the last 15 minutes of the game as Carlo Ancelotti’s men barricaded Japan in.
Japanese media FootballChanell.jp say: “Tanaka was covering his face with his jersey and his shoulders slumped, while his teammates offered encouragement. He will probably bear the responsibility for this.
“But is that the only moment we should be questioning? Certainly, Tanaka’s mistake was the direct trigger. However, even before he was brought on, Japan had repeatedly made similar mistakes,” they said.
“When they had possession of the ball, they would become isolated, and the opposing team would win the second balls. This structural problem remained uncorrected as the match moved into its final stages.”
Tanaka will now be given an extended break after the World Cup, and the chances are he will return a couple of weeks after Leeds have started pre-season training. His future at Elland Road remains in doubt.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
