Japan have by no means gone past the final 16 at a World Cup however they’ve set themselves the bold goal of successful subsequent yr’s event after dominating in Asian qualifying.
Hajime Moriyasu’s facet turned the primary staff to punch their ticket to the 2026 competitors in the USA, Canada and Mexico once they beat Bahrain 2-0 final week in Saitama.
With their place sealed, they adopted that up with a 0-0 dwelling draw with Saudi Arabia, giving them 20 factors from eight video games with 24 targets scored and two conceded within the third spherical of qualifiers.
Japan are fifteenth within the FIFA rankings and Moriyasu and his gamers firmly consider they’ll turn out to be the primary Asian staff to raise the World Cup subsequent summer time.
“We’re aiming to win it,” stated Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada, one among 5 English Premier League gamers within the squad.
“That is what all of us preserve saying. Our aim is to win the World Cup.”
Japan have reached the final 16 4 instances since making their first World Cup look in 1998.
They shocked Germany and Spain to succeed in the knock-out stage on the 2022 event in Qatar however misplaced on penalties to Croatia.
“That confirmed us that we had an opportunity, which was a giant factor for me,” stated Moriyasu.
“The Japan Soccer Affiliation has been saying that we wish to win the World Cup by 2050 and we’re taking up the problem to enhance in order that we will make it occur.”
Moriyasu is aware of that his staff are usually not there but and stated they must “enhance in each division” earlier than heading to North America.
– Europe-based expertise –
He can name on extra Europe-based gamers than ever, with 11 showing on this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Captain Wataru Endo has turn out to be an necessary a part of Liverpool’s squad whereas Kaoru Mitoma has developed into among the finest wingers within the Premier League at Brighton.
Actual Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is among the finest attackers within the Spanish league.
Japan have extra energy in depth than ever earlier than however Endo says there is no such thing as a friction between gamers competing for beginning locations.
“All of us have to consider what’s finest for the staff and everybody understands that,” he stated.
“I believe that is a selected robust level amongst Japanese folks. I believe Japan are the strongest in relation to staff unity.”
Japan have usually carried out finest at World Cups when expectations have been low.
They narrowly misplaced to Belgium within the final 16 on the 2018 event in Russia simply two months after firing their coach.
They went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil assured that they might make a splash however returned dwelling early after a dismal show within the group stage.
Defender Yuto Nagatomo, who has performed at a document 4 World Cups, stated: “We’ve improved however in case you overestimate your individual means and are too happy with your self, that is when all of it begins to crumble.”
The 38-year-old, who has gained 142 caps for Japan, added: “I personally skilled that on the World Cup in Brazil and I believe that is the hazard.
“It is OK for everybody to know that they’re good gamers, however it’s important to again it up each day in coaching.”
Japan can’t be accused of missing ambition, with Endo calling for followers to purchase into their aim of successful the World Cup in an on-pitch handle after sealing qualification.
Which may be seen as unrealistic by some, however as Spain and Germany discovered in Qatar, Japan are a risk.
“What’s necessary from this level isn’t the outcomes however the course of,” stated Endo.
“Till now we have been attempting to qualify so we have wanted to get outcomes.
“If we wish to win the World Cup, how we use our time between now and the event is essential.”
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