Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Doha: Japan were labelled naive when they exited the FIFA World Cup four years ago against Belgium. Now their canny tactics have upset Germany and Spain and taken them to the last 16 of Qatar 2022. 

The Blue Samurai will face Croatia on Monday after topping Group E with two stunning comeback wins over the European heavyweights.

Japan looked dead and buried when they fell behind in both games but head coach Hajime Moriyasu helped turn the tide with his substitutions and tactical changes.

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'Guts' brought glory to Blue Samurai, says Nagatomo

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

'Guts' brought glory to Blue Samurai, says Nagatomo

Doha: Japan showed they have the "guts" to compete at the FIFA World Cup, defender Yuto Nagatomo said Thursday, after the Blue Samurai stunned Spain to advance to the Qatar 2022 Round of 16.

Japan upset both Germany and Spain to finish top of Group E, digging deep to come from behind to grab gritty victories in both games.

Hajime Moriyasu's side will now face Croatia in the last 16 and Nagatomo believes they can pull off another shock against the 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists.

Moriyasu: Japan's victory a major boost for Asia

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Moriyasu: Japan's victory a major boost for Asia

Doha: Hajime Moriyasu believes Japan’s progress to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 can give football in Asia a major boost after the Samurai Blue handed former champions Spain and Germany group stage defeats to progress to the last 16.

A 2-1 victory over Spain at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday took Japan to the top of Group E ahead of Luis Enrique’s side and saw Germany, the four-time FIFA World Cup winners, eliminated despite their 4-2 success over Costa Rica.
 
The Japanese had also beaten the Germans in the opening round and Moriyasu’s side will now face 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia on Monday for a first-ever place in the quarter-finals.

Social Wrap: Mixed emotions for Asia’s cast

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Social Wrap: Mixed emotions for Asia’s cast

Doha: It's been a group stage of incredible highs and lows for Asia's six sides at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with historic victories and agonising defeats ensuring a rollercoaster journey for all involved. 

Australia and Japan have advanced to the last 16, while Qatar, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia have exited, with Korea Republic set to play their final group game against Portugal on Friday.

Ahead of that crunch match-up, the-AFC.com has a look at the social media channels of the teams and players of those involved.