One of the most interesting teams in the world right now in my opinion. The way they use all of their players is fascinating. They have positional tendencies (3+2 or 3+3 buildup, want that front 5 in attack), but the players in those positions perpetually change... & they pass to them in motion too

Check out this example from the game where they're able to get their LB free, despite Binacional man-marking pretty intensely to start. Binacional's RW stops marking Cusco LB. CM drops to drag his marker as the pass to LB comes, freeing acres of space for himself

This is one element that separates them from a lot of other teams employing a 3+2 buildup in football nowadays. It's not flat, it's not static, and the players in the 3 & the 2 can change, making it very difficult for opponents to defend against

Bodo/Glimt are a really, really well-coached team. That’s always enough to be respected.

It is my biggest pet peeve with broadcasters of NWSL and MLS games.

These are top division leagues. The broadcasts should be treated that way and the annoucers should be in the stadiums, and whoever is in charge of spending the money should spend it.

That said, this Japan team was outstanding, and deserved all three of its wins.