sports
Being the best in Asia is no longer enough for Japan seeking World Cup breakthrough
Despite missing key players, Hajime Moriyasu’s side have built strength in depth to challenge the traditional order
TL;DR
- Japan's football team has shown significant development since the 2002 World Cup, surpassing South Korea's performance and progress.
- Manager Hajime Moriyasu has instilled a belief in the team, with aspirations of winning the World Cup, a goal they have progressively aimed for since the 1990s.
- Despite significant injuries to key players like Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma, Japan's squad depth is considered a sign of their footballing development.
- Recent strong performances, including wins against England and Brazil in friendlies, have boosted the team's self-belief and confidence.
- Japan faces a challenging group in the World Cup, but their current form and depth of talent position them as strong contenders, potentially the best Asian side to ever compete.
- The team's journey includes overcoming the 'mental block' of not advancing past the last 16 in previous World Cups, with aspirations now set on reaching the quarter-finals.