A program exploring the secrets behind the strength of the Netherlands, Japan's first opponent in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which has finally begun, titled "The Netherlands, a Country That Loves Soccer: Homare Sawa Explores the Philosophy of Strength," will be broadcast on NHK General on June 12th at 10:45 PM.
Legendary footballer Homare Sawa, who played for the Japanese women's national football team "Nadeshiko Japan," makes an appearance. She visits the home ground of the Dutch powerhouse club Ajax, where the late Johan Cruyff, a club hero, is seen everywhere. In the 1970s, he embodied "Total Football," which shocked the football world at the time, and his attack-oriented spirit remains the cornerstone of the Dutch national team today.
Furthermore, the Netherlands is a "cradle of players," where those who achieve success in the domestic league are scouted by other top clubs. What kind of system makes it possible to nurture young players who will become future superstars? We will also touch upon the football philosophy as expressed by Cruyff's eldest son, Jordi.
