China use controversial tactics to bother Japan in World Cup qualifiers clash

Ahead of the match on Tuesday, China reduced the width of the stadium by approximately three meters, making it smaller than FIFA’s recommended 68 meters. This adjustment complies with the Laws of the Game issued by the International Football Association Board, which allow pitches to range from 64 to 75 m in width and 100 to 110 m in length.

"A unique and effective strategy," wrote Japanese newspaper Soccer Digest. "China aimed to improve defensive efficiency and counter Japan wingers."

Japan, playing a 3-4-3 formation, relied heavily on fast and technical players like Keito Nakamura, Takumi Minamino, Junya Ito and Takefusa Kubo. A narrower pitch limited Japan’s ability to exploit the flanks and forced them to adapt. Despite knowing about this adjustment one day before the game, Japan still faced challenges as Chinese defenders quickly doubled up on their attackers.

However Japan still capitalized on set pieces to overcome China’s defense. Koki Ogawa and Kou Itakura scored header goals from corners late in the first half. China’s Lin Liangming reduced the gap in the 49th minute, but Ogawa restored the two-goal lead five minutes later with another header following Junya Ito’s cross, securing a 3-1 victory for the guests.

Chinese outlet Qiuyan Sports acknowledged the tactical reasons behind narrowing the pitch, calling it "understandable but ultimately ineffective".

"It solves immediate issues but cannot be a long-term tactical solution," Qiuyan Sports noted. "The narrower pitch also enabled Japan to execute sharper set pieces with higher successful rate."

The match was further affected by fan behavior.

Chinese supporters booed during Japan’s national anthem and used laser pointers to target Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki during the first half. These actions drew widespread criticism.

"Chinese football is inferior to Japan in both ability and behavior," South Korean newspaper Xports wrote.

On China's largest social network Weibo, many users called the actions of home fans "shameful" and "rude".

"I would appreciate it if Chinese fans stopped booing during national anthems as a gesture of mutual respect," Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said in the post-match press conference. The 56-year-old coach affirmed that the team always respect the enthusiasm of the fans, but the players also deserve respect.

Moriyasu was more upset about the laser pointer, as he said: "If it hits the eyes, it can cause harm. For the health of the players, I want this action to stop."

Japanese newspaper Football Zone described coach Moriyasu as not the type of person who likes to criticize or react harshly. But this time his expression was tense and it affected the atmosphere of the conference room.

In a previous World Cup qualifying match on Sept. 11, Bahrain fans also booed Japan’s anthem and used laser pointers against striker Ayase Ueda. Japan won that game 5-0.

Japanese newspaper Abema noted that Japan’s strength lies in their mental resilience, which made the team unfazed by distractions.

The victory solidified Japan’s dominance in group C, placing them atop the table with 16 points, nine ahead of second-placed Australia. Japan remain unbeaten across 12 matches in the qualifiers, with 11 wins, 46 goals and only two conceded. A win against Bahrain on March 20, 2025, will secure Japan’s place in the 2026 World Cup.