On Tuesday 6 December, one day following the team’s round of 16 defeat to the Croatia National Team at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Head Coach MORIYASU Hajime of the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) reflected on the team’s journey and said, “We have no regrets. The players have shown us a great view.”
Japan, making their seventh World Cup appearance, defeated former champions Germany and Spain to advance through the group stage in first place but fell to Croatia on penalties after playing 120 minutes in the round of 16. Despite reaching the knockout stage in back-to-back attempts, Japan's quest to advance to the quarterfinals had to be put on hold—at least until 2026.
Speaking to the media at the Al-Sadd training facility, the team's base camp during the tournament, coach Moriyasu commented, “We did everything we could. The entire team gave it their best at all times.” .....
>>READ MORE "JAPAN FA"