Japan became one of the first beneficiaries of the new time-limited substitution rule on Sunday when they scored while opponents Iceland had just 10 players on the pitch.
Under several new rules introduced by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) in time for the World Cup, players have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point when being substituted.
If they fail to do so, the substitute cannot enter the field for at least one minute until the next stoppage in play, meaning their team must continue with 10 players.
During a friendly between Japan and Iceland on Sunday, Iceland fell foul of the new rule and winger Isak Thorvaldsson was unable to come on.
While Iceland were down a player, Koki Ogawa scored an 87th-minute header to earn Japan a 1-0 win.
Japan’s goal came one minute and 54 seconds after Thorvaldsson was prevented from entering the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu warned his players about making the same mistake as Iceland.
“I thought the players handled the new rule adjustments today with almost no issues,” Moriyasu said.
“Under the new rules, players won’t necessarily be able to get back on the pitch as quickly as before. That’s something we need to be mindful of. Whether it’s during substitutions or in other moments, we need to avoid creating openings that give the opponent a chance.”
Moriyasu also spoke about the importance of delivering clear and concise tactical instructions during three-minute hydration breaks, another new introduction.
“In those three minutes, we have to organise the key points we need to get across and communicate them clearly to the players,” the 57-year-old said.
“I felt that how well we use those three minutes could have a major impact on the outcome of matches, so we want to prepare thoroughly.”
Japan begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday, 14 June (21:00 BST), before facing Tunisia and Sweden.
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