FIFA World Cup
A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.
That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Drawn in a tough group, Japan showed their mettle in the opening match against three-time runners-up Netherlands, coming from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw.
That was followed by a 4-0 defeat of Tunisia, Japan's biggest victory margin on the global stage and one which reinforced their credentials as a force to be reckoned with.
Japan went into their final Group F tie needing victory to finish top but could not hold on after Daizen Maeda gave them the lead in the 56th minute, with Anthony Elanga equalising shortly after for Sweden.
Finishing second meant a showdown with Brazil and despite the five-time world champions dominating the tie, Japan showed their quality as they fought back to draw level through Kaishu Sano after Casemiro had put Brazil ahead.
Substitute Martinelli, however, struck the winner in the fifth minute of added time as Japan's search for a first FIFA World Cup knockout stage win continued.
Moriyasu, who will step down after the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, said the defeat only served to reinforce his belief that Japan are the fringes of being a superpower.
“The strength of the national team has definitely risen. Even in friendlies we’ve managed to beat opponents we’d never beaten before.
“Those efforts by the players have unquestionably led to the national team’s improvement, and I believe they have changed Japan’s place in the global football landscape.”
The tactician will have one final crack at lifting the AFC Asian Cup trophy and with Japan having already announced that Under-23 head coach Go Oiwa will replace Moriyasu, the future is indeed bright for the East Asian nation.
Photo: AFP
