Five Things We Learned from Japan’s 6-0 Demolition of Mongolia

Gulf in Quality Too Apparent for Mongolia

Before their match against Japan, Mongolia had collected 3 points from their 2 previous matches, a 1-0 home win over Myanmar and a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Tajikistan. The match against Japan was the Mongolians' biggest test and the gulf of quality between the two sides is quite apparent from kick-off. Michael Weiss' squad, consisting of players from the local Mongolian Premier League, was no match for Hajime Moriyasu's J-League and European stars. The heavy defeat serves as a reminder for Mongolia about how far they are lagging behind their East Asian neighbors. Traditionally Mongolia are not a footballing nation, but much work must be done if they wish to remain competitive in the beautiful game.

Junya Ito, the Dynamo of Japan's Midfield

One standout performer from Japan's dominant win over Mongolia was Junya Ito. The KRC Genk midfielder did not score during the match, but he provided three pin-point assists that allowed Takumi Minamino, Yuto Nagatomo, and Kensuke Nagai to score past hapless Mongolian goalkeeper Ariunbold Batsaikhan. Ito was a constant threat for the Mongolians from the wings, with the Mongolian defense unable to keep up with the 26-year old's pace and passes. Currently on loan in Belgium from Kashiwa Reysol, should Ito retain his performance from Thursday night in future matches, it is possible that Genk would make the loan deal permanent, with the added challenge of fending off established European sides who might be out for his signature.

A Great Two Weeks for Takumi Minamino

The past two weeks have been great for 24-year old Takumi Minamino. Last week he excelled in the Champions League at Anfield, leading the Red Bull Salzburg fightback against Liverpool. Scoring once and assisting once, Minamino helped the Austrian champions came back from 3-0 down to tie the game 3-3, only for the game to end in heartbreak for Minamino and his teammates as Mohamed Salah scored the winner for Liverpool. Minamino was then subsequently rested in Salzburg's dominant 6-0 won over SCR Altach in the Austrian Bundesliga last Sunday, ensuring that he would be back to his best in the international break. And back to his best is what Minamino did at the Saitama Stadium 2002 - unfettered by the long journey from Austria to Japan, Minamino terrorizes the Mongolian defense repeatedly throughout the game. It was his powerful header in the 22nd minute that opened the demolition job and he worked together excellently with the equally impressive Junya Ito to create Japan's third goal of the night. Minamino's impressive performance for Samurai Blue capped off a great two weeks for the winger, whose Champions League exploits has piqued the interest of Liverpool fans.

Kamada Bags First Senior Goal

There was much excitement as Daichi Kamada replaced Takumi Minamino in the 61st minute. The 23-year old Eintracht Frankfurt attacker was making only his 3rd senior appearance for the Samurai Blue squad, and he made most of it by ripping the weary Mongolian defense apart. His perseverance was paid off in the 82nd minute. Mongolian goalkeeper Ariunbold Batsaikhan could only parry a long-range effort from Wataru Endo, with the rebound going straight towards Kamada. Kamada welcomed the chance with open arms and headed home to bag Japan's sixth of the night. The goal was Kamada's first for the Japanese national team and the ex-Sagan Tosu player has all the right to revel in the celebrations.

Not the Ideal Homecoming for Michael Weiss

Japan has been a country with many memories for Mongolia head coach Michael Weiss. In 2002, he was part of the Kyoto Sanga coaching staff as the team won the 2002 Emperor's Cup, working alongside players such as Park Ji-sung and Daisuke Matsui. He even has a Japanese wife and has two daughters there. Michael has since left Japan and embarked in several managerial roles, including in Rwanda, the Philippines, and even former Romanian champions Oțelul Galați before taking charge of the Mongolian national team in 2017. Thursday night's match saw Michael returning to the country where he learned the skills of becoming a head coach, only to see his team completely obliterated and outclassed 6-0 despite managing to hold their own in the first 20 minutes or so. Not exactly the homecoming that Michael's looking for.