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Recently, there have been reports that Japan's J1 League is undergoing a reform in its competition format. Instead of completing a season in a single calendar year, it will be divided into two halves, spanning the second half of one year and the first half of the next, aligning with the mainstream European league structure.
In essence, Japan aims to follow the format of major European leagues. This move towards aligning with Europe seems strategic. Statistics show that around 500 Japanese players are consistently playing in Europe, with many of them competing in the top five European leagues. Aligning the schedule with Europe could help Japanese players better adapt to European leagues. Additionally, these players who have gained international experience can contribute continuously to the talent pool for the Japanese national team. Many of the current Japanese national team players have had experiences playing in European leagues.
Earlier reports suggested that Japan's football association has set a goal to win the World Cup by 2050. While no Asian team has won the World Cup so far, Japan's ambitions are not without foundation. In recent years, the Japanese national team has consistently delivered impressive performances on the global stage. In a few decades, competing with championship-caliber teams should not be out of reach. This reform can be seen as part of the preparation for the World Cup.
As this small nation embarks on its dream journey, it prompts the football leaders of larger nations to reflect on their own paths. |
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