Malen set for World Cup debut against Japan; faces familiar opponent in Suzuki
Squad News·14 June 2026·22d ago

Malen set for World Cup debut against Japan; faces familiar opponent in Suzuki

Source: Forza Roma

Donyell Malen is preparing for his World Cup debut this evening as the Netherlands face Japan in Group F at Arlington, Texas. The Roma forward is expected to start and will encounter Suzuki, the Japanese goalkeeper he faced recently when Roma defeated Parma 3–2 on 10 May. In that match, Malen scored twice against Suzuki—first with a precise strike from distance, then converting a penalty in the 101st minute.

Malen arrives at the tournament seeking to rediscover his scoring form after failing to find the net in two pre-World Cup friendlies against Algeria and Uzbekistan. Regaining his goal-scoring touch is crucial to secure his place in the starting lineup and avoid losing opportunities to fellow forward Depay. The article notes that other Roma players have already featured in World Cup matches: El Aynaoui's Morocco drew 1–1 with Brazil, and Çelik played 81 minutes in Turkey's loss to Australia.

Malen's previous success against Suzuki provides a psychological edge, and scoring in tonight's match would represent a significant confidence boost as he aims to establish himself with the Oranje during the tournament and build on the strong impression he has already made at Roma.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Questa sera l'attaccante giallorosso avrà l'occasione di ritrovare la via del gol, in modo da prendersi anche gli Oranje dopo aver conquistato la Capitale Redazione 14 giugno - 12:09 Malen, non solo gol. A Trastevere deve anche spingere l'apetta Dopo El Aynaoui, che con il 'suo' Marocco ha…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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