It's taken four games, but Takehiro Tomiyasu has finally started for Japan at the 2022 World Cup.
The Arsenal defender came into the tournament an injury doubt after limping out of the 1-0 Europa League win against FC Zurich at the beginning of November. And after making a substitute appearance for Japan in the shock 2-1 win over Germany, he missed the defeat by Costa Rica before returning against Spain.
But with Ko Itakura serving a suspension for the round of 16 clash with Croatia after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the win over Spain, Tomiyasu was handed a start as one of three centre-backs and football.london kept close tabs on the versatile defender.
